Glossary

Anuran
Anurans (frogs and toads) are one of the three Orders of amphibians. The other two Orders are Salamanders and Caecilians -- limbless amphibians found only in the tropics. Anurans are the most diverse Order of amphibians with some 4000 species worldwide, accounting for approximately 90% of all species of amphibians. Frogs and toads are generally tailles, with long hind legs modified for hopping. They range in body length from approximately 1-30 cm. In Canada, the largest species is the Bullfrog, which can grow to over 15 cm in length.

Costal Groove
Deep vertical grooves on the sides of salamanders. They indicate the position of the ribs.

Cranial Crest
Many species of toads have cranial crests -- raised ridges between their eyes. These crests can be used to differentiate some species.

Dorsolateral Ridges
Many species of true frogs have two ridges than run down the back. These ridges begin at the eye and go all or partially down the back. In some species these ridges are a contrasting colour to the back.

Lungless Salamander
One of eight Families of salamanders, only four of which are found in Canada. The largest family of salamanders, as their name implies they have no lungs, breathing entirely through their skin. Most species are terrestrial but some are highly aquatic. Lungless salamanders are found across Canada except the three prairie provinces and the two territories.

Mole Salamander
One of the four Families of salamanders found in Canada. World-wide there are eight Families. These salamanders have stout bodies and limbs compared with other families. Adults spend most of the year underground, leaving their burrows only during the breeding season. Mole salamanders are found in every province.

Mudpuppies
The mudpuppies are a small Family of totally aquatic salamanders. There are a total of eight Families of salamanders, only four of which are found in Canada. Adults never transform but retain the form of the larvae. In Canada there is only one species, the Mudpuppy , which is found in eastern Canada.

Newt
One of eight Families of salamanders, only four of which are found in Canada. Unlike most salamanders the skin of newts is not smooth but rough. Most newts go through three life stages rather than just two like most amphibians. The larval newt transforms into a terrestrial stage called an eft. This stage can last 1-3 years before the eft transforms into a largely aquatic adult. Only two species of newts are found in Canada, the Roughskin Newt in British Columbia and the Eastern Newt in eastern Canada.

Parotid Gland
Parotid glands are large swollen areas behind the eye and in some species extending down along the neck. These glands (and the warts) can secrete a sticky white poison that can paralyze or even kill a predator. If you handle a toad roughly it might secrete this poision which can then be transmitted to your eyes. Always make sure to wash your hands after handling a toad.

Salamander
One of the three Orders of amphibians. The other two Orders are Anurans (frogs and toads) and Caecilians -- limbless amphibians found only in the tropics. Salamanders are characterized by their elongated body and tail. Most salamanders have only four front toes but five rear toes. There are approximately 400 species of salamanders worldwide, ranging in size from 4 cm total length to 1.5 m! In Canada the largest species is the Mudpuppy which can grow to over 40 cm in total length. Most salamanders are much smaller than this.

Spadefoot
Although commonly called Spadefoot Toads, they are not actually toads. They are easily distinguished from true toads by having vertical pupils to their eyes, relatively smooth skin and no parotoid (poison) glands. Spadefoots get their name from the "spade," a sharp- edged protrusion on the inside of their hind feet used for burrowing. With it, spadefoots can burrow down into the ground almost a full metre. Canada has only two species of spadefoots: the Great Basin Spadefoot of British Columbia and the Plains Spadefoot of the prairies.

Tailed Frog
A small Family of frogs with only one species in North America, the Tailed Frog. In Canada, it is only found in British Columbia. Only males have the "tail" which is actually an organ used for reproduction.

Treefrog
Small frogs with big voices, best describes this Family of frogs. Most species have large sticky toe-pads to aid them in climbing. Many treefrogs live in shrubs and trees all summer, after breeding in temporary ponds in the spring. They are often tiny and well camouflaged, making them very difficult to find. Treefrogs are found in every province, although they are not native to Newfoundland. They are also found in the southern part of the Northwest Territories.

True Frog
The mental image most people have of a frog is of the true frog Family. True frogs are relatively large with long legs and webbed hind feet. They are good jumpers and generally the adults are truly amphibious. In Canada, True frogs vary in size from the Wood Frog which is less than 6 cm in body length to the massive Bullfrog which can grow to over 15 cm long. True frogs are found in every province and territory in Canada.

True Toad
Plump, with rough warty skin, members of the toad Family are found all across Canada. Toads defend themselves with enlarged parotid (poison) glands behind the eye. When attacked, the toad secretes a white substance from these glands which gets into the mouth of any would-be predator. If you handle a toad roughly it might secrete this poision which can then be transmitted to your eyes. Always make sure to wash your hands after handling a toad.

Tympanum
The tympanum, a round area just behind the eye, is the eardrum. Only frogs and toads have eardrums and they are prominent in many species. In some true frogs like the Bullfrog, males have larger eardrums than females.