List of amphibians of Iowa Facts for Kids

Iowa is home to many amazing creatures, including a variety of amphibians. These special animals can live both in water and on land. In Iowa, you can find different kinds of frogs, toads, and salamanders. They all play important roles in Iowa's natural world.

Frogs and Toads in Iowa
- Meet Some Frogs and Toads
Salamanders in Iowa
- Types of Salamanders You Might See
Images for kids
See also

Frogs and Toads in Iowa

Iowa has 17 different kinds of frogs and toads. These amphibians are known for their unique calls and their ability to jump! They often live near water, like ponds, lakes, and rivers.

Meet Some Frogs and Toads

Here are some of the frogs and toads you might find hopping around Iowa:

The American toad is a common sight. It has bumpy skin and can be found in many different habitats.
The Blanchard's cricket frog is tiny but has a loud call that sounds like crickets.
The Boreal chorus frog is small and striped. It often calls from grassy areas near water.
The American bullfrog is the largest frog in North America. It has a deep, booming call.
The Cope's gray treefrog and the Gray treefrog look very similar. They can change their skin color to match their surroundings, like tree bark.
The Crawfish frog is a rare frog in Iowa. It is considered endangered, meaning it is at risk of disappearing.
Fowler's toad is another common toad. It has a light stripe down its back.
The Great Plains toad lives in drier areas and has a unique, long trill call.
The Green frog often sits at the water's edge. It has a distinct ridge that runs from behind its eye down its back.
The Northern leopard frog has dark spots that look like leopard spots. It is a good jumper.
The Pickerel frog has rectangular spots and can be found in cool, clear waters.
The Plains leopard frog is similar to the Northern leopard frog but lives in different areas.
The Plains spadefoot toad has a special "spade" on its back feet to help it dig into the ground.
The Southern leopard frog is another spotted frog that prefers warmer climates.
The Spring peeper is a tiny frog with a loud, high-pitched "peep" call, especially in spring.
Woodhouse's toad is a common toad found in many parts of Iowa.

Salamanders in Iowa

Iowa is home to 5 different types of salamanders. Salamanders are amphibians that look a bit like lizards, but they have smooth, moist skin. They need to stay moist, so they often live in damp places or near water.

Types of Salamanders You Might See

Here are some of the salamanders that live in Iowa:

The Blue-spotted salamander is quite rare in Iowa and is listed as endangered. It has dark skin with bright blue spots.
The Central newt is a type of salamander that can live in water for part of its life. It is considered threatened in Iowa.
The Common mudpuppy is a unique salamander that lives its entire life in water. It has feathery gills on the outside of its head. It is also a threatened species.
The Small-mouth salamander has a small head and a long body. It often lives underground.
The Tiger salamander is the largest land salamander in North America. It has yellow or olive spots on a dark body, like a tiger!