How to Tell Girl Frogs From Boy Frogs

Determining the sex of a frog is not always easy. A frog's color does not always help you tell if it is a male or a female. In some species, the male's thumbs are bigger, while in other species, the males have bigger eardrums. However, there are a handful of tell-tale signs that can usually help a person distinguish between the two sexes, no matter the type of frog.

Instructions

    • 1

      Look at the abdomen. Females and males have different body proportions. The females are more pear-shaped and have bigger abdomens. Males tend to be narrow and long.

    • 2

      Look between the frog's legs for the cloaca, or the opening where digestive, excretory and reproductive tracts empty. When a female is ready to lay eggs, her cloaca reddens.

    • 3

      Look on the frog's arms. Males have nuptial pads on the inside of their arms. These are rougher patches that helps a male frog grip onto the back of a female during mating.

    • 4

      Compare the size of two frogs, if possible. Females are slightly larger than males.

    • 5

      Ask a veterinarian or take your frog into a pet store for help if there's any difficulty.