List of amphibians of Shenandoah National Park facts for kids

Amphibians are amazing creatures that can live both in water and on land. They include animals like frogs, toads, and salamanders. Shenandoah National Park is a beautiful place in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western Virginia. It is home to many different kinds of amphibians. This list will tell you about the amphibians you might find there.

How We Describe How Often Animals Are Seen

When we talk about how often an animal is seen, we use special words. Here's what they mean:

• Abundant: You can see these animals almost every day in the right places and at the right time of year. There are usually many of them.
• Common: You can also see these animals daily in their usual homes and seasons, but not as many as "abundant" ones.
• Uncommon: You might only see these animals about once a month in their proper season and habitat. Sometimes, there might be many in one small area.
• Rare: These animals are very hard to find. You might only see them a few times in a whole year.
• Unknown: We don't have enough information yet to know how often these animals are seen.

Mole Salamanders (Ambystomatidae)

Mole salamanders are a group of salamanders that often live underground or hide under logs and leaves. They usually come out at night or during wet weather.

• Jefferson salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum)
  • This salamander is uncommon in the park.

A Jefferson salamander on a leaf.

• Spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum)
  • This salamander is also uncommon to see.

A spotted salamander on a green leaf.

True Toads (Bufonidae)

True toads are known for their bumpy skin and short legs. They are often found on land, especially in gardens or near water.

• American toad (Bufo americanus)
  • The American toad is common in Shenandoah National Park.

An American toad sitting on the ground.

• Fowler's toad (Bufo fowleri)
  • This toad is rare to find in the park.

A Fowler's toad with its distinctive markings.

Tree Frogs (Hylidae)

Tree frogs are usually small and have special pads on their toes that help them climb trees and other surfaces.

• Northern cricket frog (Acris crepitans)
  • This tiny frog is uncommon to spot.

A Northern cricket frog on a plant stem.

• Gray tree frog (Hyla versicolor)
  • The gray tree frog is uncommon in the park.

A gray tree frog clinging to a branch.

• Spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)
  • You might hear this frog's loud calls, but it is uncommon to see.

A small spring peeper on a leaf.

• Upland chorus frog (Pseudacris triseriata feriarum)
  • This chorus frog is also uncommon.

An upland chorus frog.

Lungless Salamanders (Plethodontidae)

These salamanders are special because they don't have lungs! They breathe through their skin and the lining of their mouths.

• Northern dusky salamander (Desmognathus fuscus)
  • This salamander is abundant in the park.

A Northern dusky salamander near water.

• Seal salamander (Desmognathus monticola)
  • The seal salamander is common.

A seal salamander on a mossy surface.

• Northern two-lined salamander (Eurycea bislineata)
  • This salamander is abundant.

A Northern two-lined salamander.

• Three-lined salamander (Eurycea longicauda guttolineata)
  • Its abundance is unknown.

A three-lined salamander.

• Longtail salamander (Eurycea longicauda longicauda)
  • This salamander is rare.

A longtail salamander.

• Spring salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus)
  • The spring salamander is uncommon.

A spring salamander.

• Four-toed salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum)
  • This salamander is rare.

• Red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus)
  • The red-backed salamander is abundant.

• White-spotted slimy salamander (Plethodon cylindraceus)
  • Its abundance is unknown.

A white-spotted slimy salamander.

• Shenandoah salamander (Plethodon shenandoah)
  • This salamander's abundance is unknown. It is also endemic, meaning it is found only in this area and nowhere else in the world!

A Shenandoah salamander.

True Frogs (Ranidae)

True frogs are typically smooth-skinned and have long, powerful legs for jumping. They are often found near water.

• American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)
  • The American bullfrog is uncommon.

An American bullfrog.

• Green frog (Rana clamitans)
  • The green frog is common.

A green frog.

• Pickerel frog (Rana palustris)
  • This frog is common.

A pickerel frog.

• Wood frog (Rana sylvatica)
  • The wood frog is uncommon.

A wood frog.

True Salamanders and Newts (Salamandridae)

This family includes newts, which are a type of salamander that often has a rougher skin texture and may live in water for part of their lives.

• Eastern newt (Notophthalmus viridescens)
  • The Eastern newt is uncommon.

An Eastern newt in water.