Frogs Found in Maryland

The wetland and forest habitats of Maryland offer ample space for 16 different species of frog. Two frog families are represented: the true frogs and the tree frogs. True frogs are designed for a terrestrial and aquatic lifestyle. Tree frogs have become adapted for climbing using small pads on their toes as suction cups.

  1. True Frogs

    • Maryland is home to seven species of true frog, the largest of which is the bullfrog. It grows up to 8 inches in length, has a large rounded body and is found statewide. The carpenter frog is less widespread and is only found in the most eastern counties of the state. It is a smaller species, growing to just over 2 inches. The northern green frog is also found statewide as are the pickerel and wood frogs. The northern leopard frog is found in only a few central counties and the southern leopard frog is found in the eastern quarter of the state.

    Tree Frogs

    • Maryland is home to four species commonly known as tree frogs because they live most of their lives in trees. These frogs belong to the genus hyla and include the barking tree frog. It grows to around 2 inches in length and, as its name suggests, makes a barking call. It is also considered endangered in the state. The gray tree frog and Cope's gray tree frog are both identical and only genetic tests or their calls can distinguish them. The green tree frog is aptly a bright green color.

    Chorus Frogs

    • The state is also home to four species known as chorus frogs generally because of the high level of vocalizations they emit. Chorus frogs belong to the genus pseudacris and include the endangered mountain chorus frog. It is a small, brownish-colored frog that grows to little more than an inch. The New Jersey chorus frog is also small and found only in the east of the state. The northern spring peeper is found statewide, while the upland chorus frog is found in the more central regions of Maryland.

    Cricket Frogs

    • Cricket frogs belong to the genus acris and are so called because their vocalizations sound like crickets chirping. Only one type of cricket frog lives in the state and that is the eastern cricket frog. It grows to just over an inch in length and is found in all but the extreme northwestern counties.