A Guide to the Amphibians
and Reptiles of California



Comparison of California Ranid Frog Features

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These are a few of the features of the Ranid frogs found in California that can help differentiate them from each other. Similar species are grouped together.
Feature LIthobates yavapaiensis Lithobates berlandieri Lithobates pipiens Lithobates sphenocephala   Rana cascadae Rana aurora Rana draytonii Rana pretiosa Rana luteiventris   Rana sierra Rana muscosa Rana boylii Lithobates catesbeianus
Dorsolateral Folds Distinct Distinct Distinct Distinct   Distinct Distinct Distinct Distinct Distinct   Indistinct or Absent Indistinct or Absent Indistinct or Absent Indistinct or Absent
Dorsolateral Folds Length Interrupted near groin Interrupted near groin Continuous to Groin Continuous to Groin                      
Light Spot on Tympanum Not Usually Yes None Yes            
Tympanum Size           Smaller Than Eye Smaller Than Eye Smaller Than Eye As Large as Eye or Larger
Light line on upper lip Fades in Front of Eye Fades in Front of Eye Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes   At least Indistinct At least Indistinct At least Indistinct  
Throat           Usually Spotted Usually Spotted Usually Spotted  
Snout Shape     Rounded Pointed            
Spot on Snout No No Yes No     None None Pale Spot  
Head     Not Elongated Elongated            
Toe Tips           Dark Dark Not Dark  
Rear of Thighs Dark Reticulum No Dark Reticulum              
Underside of Hind Limbs       Pale Yellow Red Red Orange, Red Yellow, Orange   Yellow Yellow Yellow  
Venter Unmarked Unmarked   Yellow or Orange Pale, mottled Pale, mottled Rust, Orange, Red Yellow, Orange   Yellow/ white Yellow/ white Yellow/ white White, Pale yellow
Eye Mask None None None None Dark Mask Dark Mask Dark Mask Dark Mask Dark Mask   None None None None
Eyes       Not Turned Upwards Not Turned Upwards Not Turned Upwards Turned Upwards Turned Upwards          
Dorsal Spots   Few Large Spots   Distinct, with sharp outlines Vague, not distinctly outlined Vague, not distinctly outlined Distinct Spots Distinct Spots          
Sides     Numerous Spots Few Spots   Mottled Mottled Mottled Not Mottled Not Mottled          
Skin           Smooth Smooth Smooth Slightly Granular Slightly Granular          
Heels of Adpressed Limbs           Reach Nostrils Reach Nostrils Reach Nostrils Don't reach nostrils Don't reach nostrils          
Groin           Yellow or Green with Indistinct dark mottling Reddish Reddish Red            
Feature Lithobates yavapaiensis Lithobates berlandieri Lithobates pipiens Lithobates sphenocephala   Rana cascadae Rana aurora Rana draytonii Rana pretiosa Rana luteiventris   Rana sierra Rana muscosa Rana boylii Lithobates catesbeianus


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