Herpetofauna Identification Keys

A dichotomous key helps breakdown the identification process into steps. Each step contains a set of identification markers – choose the option that best fits your animal.

Try the key again if you don't think the species description matches, especially if you were unsure about some of your choices.

• Amphibian egg identification key (PDF, 2.4MB)
• Salamander identification key (PDF, 2.2MB)
• Snake identification key (PDF, 1.8MB)
• Turtle identification key (PDF, 3.3MB)
• Vancouver Island frog and toad identification key (PDF, 2.7MB)

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Identification Key for Frogs & Toads

Step 1

• Pupil of eye vertical when contracted – go to step 2
• Pupil of eye horizontal when contracted – go to step 3

Step 2

• Sharp-edged, horny spade on underside of foot, body squat and toad-like
  • Great Basin Spadefoot (PDF)
• No spade on sole of foot, male with tail-like copulatory organ
  • Tailed Frog (PDF)

Step 3

• Parotoid glands and rough warts present, body squat
  • Western Toad (PDF)
• No parotoid glands or warts present, skin smooth or with scattered tubercles – go to step 4

Step 4

• Conspicuous adhesive toe-pads present, dark eye stripe ending at shoulder
  • Pacific Chorus Frog (PDF)
• Toe-pads absent or inconspicuous – go to step 5

Step 5

• Body elongated with dark side stripes extending to groin; three dorsal stripes or series of spots also present
  • Boreal Chorus Frog (PDF)
• Dark side and dorsal stripes absent, dorsolateral folds and/or skin fold around ear membrane present – go to step 6

Step 6

• Large rounded spots with light halos present on a green or brown background, belly white, dorsolateral folds present
  • Northern Leopard Frog (PDF)
• No large, rounded spots on back – go to step 7

Step 7

• Colour green or olive green, no dark facial mask present. Adult males with deep yellow throats and ear membranes larger than diameter of eye – go to step 8
• Colour brown or tan, may have black, irregular spots on back, dark facial mask more or less obvious – go to step 9

Step 8

• Dorsolateral folds present
  • Green Frog (PDF)
• Dorsolateral folds absent, skin fold around ear membrane present
  • Bullfrog (PDF)

Step 9

• Distinct, black facial mask present, no black dorsal spots, white belly, white mid-dorsal stripe may be present
  • Wood Frog (PDF)
• Red, orange or yellow colouration underneath, especially in older individuals, dark spots present on back, facial mask present but not intensely dark – go to step 10

Step 10

• Eye upturned, salmon colour on white background on belly and under legs, distinct dark spots on back, no green area in groin
  • Oregon Spotted Frog (PDF)
  • Columbia Spotted Frog (PDF)
• Eye not upturned, yellow or red underneath; red-coloured underparts, bones of lower leg may be visible through skin, area of green in groin
  • Northern Red-Legged Frog (PDF)