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List of amphibians of Florida facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Florida is a state in the United States that is home to many different kinds of animals, including a wide variety of amphibians. Amphibians are fascinating creatures that can live both in water and on land. They include animals like frogs, toads, and salamanders. Florida's warm, wet climate and many waterways make it a perfect place for these animals to thrive. This list will introduce you to some of the amazing amphibians you can find in Florida.

Frogs and Toads

Frogs and toads are amphibians known for their jumping ability and unique calls. They start their lives as tadpoles in water and later develop into adults that can live on land.

Tongueless Frogs (Pipidae)

Tongueless frogs are unique because, as their name suggests, they don't have tongues! They live mostly in water and use their front legs to push food into their mouths.

Tree Frogs (Hylidae)

Tree frogs are often small and have special sticky pads on their toes. These pads help them climb trees and other surfaces. Many tree frogs are excellent at camouflaging themselves to blend in with their surroundings.

True Frogs (Ranidae)

True frogs are a large group of frogs often found near water. They typically have smooth skin and powerful legs for jumping. Many are excellent swimmers.

Rain Frogs (Eleutherodactylidae)

Rain frogs are unique because they don't have a tadpole stage. Their eggs hatch directly into tiny froglets!

  • Greenhouse frog - An invasive species often found in gardens and greenhouses.
  • Common coquí - An invasive frog from Puerto Rico, known for its loud "co-qui" call.

True Toads (Bufonidae)

Toads are a type of frog, but they usually have drier, warty skin and tend to spend more time on land than in water. They are often active at night.

American Spadefoot Toads (Scaphiopodidae)

Spadefoot toads have a hard, spade-like growth on their hind feet. They use this "spade" to dig backwards into the soil, where they can hide from predators and dry weather.

Narrow-mouthed Frogs (Microhylidae)

These frogs have small, pointed heads and narrow mouths. They often eat tiny insects like ants and termites.

Salamanders and Newts

Salamanders and newts are amphibians that look a bit like lizards, but they have smooth, moist skin. They often live in damp places or in water.

True Salamanders and Newts (Salamandridae)

Newts are a type of salamander. Many newts have a rougher skin texture when they are on land and smoother skin when they are in water.

Sirens (Sirenidae)

Sirens are eel-like salamanders that live entirely in water. They have small front legs but no back legs. They also have feathery gills on the outside of their bodies.

Amphiuma (Amphiumidae)

Amphiumas are long, eel-like salamanders that live in muddy waters. They have tiny, almost invisible legs.

Mole Salamanders (Ambystomatidae)

Mole salamanders spend most of their lives underground or hidden in burrows. They usually come out to breed, often during rainy periods.

Lungless Salamanders (Plethodontidae)

Lungless salamanders are unique because they don't have lungs. They breathe through their skin and the lining of their mouths. This means they need to keep their skin moist.

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List of amphibians of Florida Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.