Frogs of Georgia

The climate and large variety of habitats make Georgia the home to a large number of amphibians, including 31 known species of frogs and toads. The majority of the frogs found in the U.S. state of Georgia are native to the state; however, the Greenhouse Frog was introduced to the state from the Caribbean islands.

  1. Frogs

    • The southeast of the U.S. is home to the largest number of reptiles and amphibians in the country. The large number of terrestrial and aquatic habitats attracts a large number of frogs, according to The New Georgia Encyclopedia. The landscape of Georgia includes different types of forests, including mountain coniferous forests and upland and bottomland mixed pine and hardwood forests. The aquatic habitats found within Georgia include streams, rivers, lakes, salt marshes and coastal islands and plains. The frogs found in Georgia range in size, from the largest in the U.S., the Bullfrog, to the smallest in the country, the Little Grass Frog.

    Tree Frogs

    • The species of frogs found in Georgia can be subdivided into tree frogs, true frogs and introduced species. The variety of tree frogs found in Georgia include the Northern Cricket Frog, Southern Cricket Frog and the Mountain Chorus Frog. Also included in this group is the Little Grass Frog, which is limited in range to areas of low grassland and favors areas with moist land that have recently been flooded. The Little Grass Frog is identified by its brown to reddish coloring. A dark brown stripe passes through the eyes of the frog and continues down its sides.

    True Frogs

    • The family of true frogs, or ranidae, are found throughout the state of Georgia and include species such as the Gopher Frog, Bullfrog, Pig Frog, Wood Frog and Carpenter Frog. The Bullfrog is the largest frog in the U.S., reaching sizes up to 8 inches, and eats any animals it can fit into its mouth, including insects, mice and other frogs. The Bullfrog is often confused with the similar-sized Pig Frog, the University of Georgia reports. To differentiate between the Bullfrog and the Pig Frog, the pig frog can be identified by its pointier snout and more extensive webbing on its hind feet.

    Greenhouse

    • The non-native Greenhouse Frog is found in Georgia, although the species is not native to the state. The frog is identified by its bronze-brown back coloring and its scarlet eyes; the back of the frog may contain brown stripes or spots. The Greenhouse Frog acquired its name from its habit of living in residential yards and greenhouses with moist ground, the University of Florida reports.