List of amphibians of Washington facts for kids

Amphibians are amazing creatures that can live both in water and on land! The word "amphibian" comes from Greek words meaning "double life." In Washington state, you can find many different kinds of amphibians. These include salamanders, newts, frogs, and toads. They are an important part of our natural world.

Meet the Amphibians of Washington!

Amphibians are cold-blooded animals. This means their body temperature changes with their surroundings. They have moist skin that helps them breathe. Most amphibians start their lives in water as larvae. Then they change into adults that can live on land.

Salamanders and Newts: Masters of Two Worlds

Salamanders and newts are often confused, but they are both fascinating amphibians! They have long bodies, tails, and usually four legs. Their skin is smooth and moist. They need to keep their skin wet to stay healthy.

What Are Salamanders?

Salamanders look a bit like lizards. However, they have no scales and their skin is very smooth. Many salamanders live in damp places like forests. They hide under logs or leaves. They eat small insects and worms. Some salamanders spend their whole lives in water. Others live mostly on land as adults.

What Are Newts?

Newts are a type of salamander. They often have rougher skin than other salamanders. Many newts spend a lot of time in the water, even as adults. They might return to ponds or streams to breed. The Rough-skinned newt is a common type found in Washington. It has a special defense: its skin can release a powerful toxin to protect itself from predators.

Salamander and Newt Species in Washington

Here are some of the salamanders and newts you might find in Washington:

• Northwestern salamander -- Ambystoma gracile
• Long-toed salamander -- Ambystoma macrodactylum
• Tiger salamander -- Ambystoma tigrinum
• Cascade torrent salamander -- Rhyacotriton cascadae
• Columbia torrent salamander -- Rhyacotriton kezeri
• Olympic torrent salamander -- Rhyacotriton olympicus
• Coastal giant salamander -- Dicamptodon tenebrosus
• Cope's giant salamander -- Dicamptodon copei
• Rough-skinned newt -- Taricha granulosa
• Oregon ensatina -- Ensatina eschscholtzii oregonensis
• Western redback salamander -- Plethodon vehiculum
• Dunn's salamander -- Plethodon dunni
• Larch Mountain Salamander -- Plethodon larselli
• Van Dyke's salamander -- Plethodon vandykei

Frogs: Leaping Wonders

Frogs are known for their powerful jumping legs. They have smooth, moist skin and often live near water. Many frogs make loud calls, especially during mating season. Each species has its own unique call!

Frog Life Cycle and Reproduction

Most frogs start their lives as eggs laid in water. These eggs hatch into tadpoles. Tadpoles live in water and breathe with gills. They eat algae and small plants. As they grow, tadpoles slowly change. They grow legs, lose their tails, and develop lungs. This process is called metamorphosis. Eventually, they become adult frogs that can live on land.

Frog Species in Washington

Here are some of the frogs living in Washington:

• American bullfrog -- Rana catesbeiana
• Cascades frog -- Rana cascadae
• Columbia spotted frog -- Rana luteiventris
• Oregon spotted frog -- Rana pretiosa
• Green frog -- Rana clamitans
• Northern leopard frog -- Rana pipiens
• Pacific chorus frog -- Pseudacris regilla (also known as Pacific Treefrog)
• Northern red-legged frog -- Rana aurora
• Coastal tailed frog -- Ascaphus truei
• Rocky Mountain tailed frog -- Ascaphus montanus

Toads: Bumpy-Skinned Land Dwellers

Toads are a type of frog, but they have some key differences. They usually have drier, warty skin. Their bodies are more squat, and their legs are shorter. Toads prefer drier habitats than most frogs. They often live in gardens or forests.

Toad Characteristics

Toads are excellent at blending in with their surroundings. Their bumpy skin helps them hide. They are mostly active at night. Toads eat insects and other small creatures. Like frogs, they lay their eggs in water. The eggs hatch into tadpoles that then change into small toads.

Toad Species in Washington

Here are some of the toads found in Washington:

• Great Basin spadefoot -- Spea intermontana
• Western toad -- Bufo boreas
• Woodhouse's toad -- Bufo woodhousii