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Field Guide: Amphibians of Clark County

AmphibiansAmphibians

BirdsBirds

InsectsInsects

MacroinvertebratesMacroinvertebrates

MammalsMammals

ReptilesReptiles

SalmonSalmon

Amphibians, which include frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts, are cold-blooded vertebrates that require specific wet environments. These animals breathe and absorb water through their skin! Because of this, amphibians are extremely sensitive to temperature and weather changes, as well as toxins in the ecosystem.

Image for Lithobates catesbeianus

American Bullfrog

Lithobates catesbeianus

photo credit: Darian Santner

The American bullfrog, which is not native to the state, is the largest frog in Clark County. The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife reared and released them in the 1900’s and yearly flooding of the Columbia River dispersed them over to the Washington side.
Image for Plethodon dunni

Dunn's Salamander

Plethodon dunni

photo credit: Darian Santner

Dunn’s salamanders can be found in the rocky forest habitats near seepages, streams, and water falls. They require these moist habitats because they lack lungs and breath through their skin. They eat small invertebrates including worms, centipedes, moths, ants, and beetles.
Image for Rana aurora

Northern Red-Legged Frog

Rana aurora

photo credit: Brennan Kessenich

Northern red-legged frogs are insectivores and their home range can be several kilometers. They like wooded habitats. In the spring, when they are moving to breeding sites, you can smell them with a little practice.
Image for Pseudacris regilla

Pacific Chorus Frog

Pseudacris regilla

photo credit: Darian Santner

These frogs, also called tree frogs, can change color from brown to green or vice versa or a combination of both in response to environmental conditions. Pacific chorus frogs that were underground in the blast zone during the eruption of Mt. St. Helens were one of the few vertebrates to survive.
Image for Taricha granulosa

Rough-Skinned Newt

Taricha granulosa

photo credit: Darian Santner

Rough-skinned newts inhabit both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Most of their populations are extremely toxic but can be predated on by common garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis), which are immune. Ducks and herons have also been known to eat them.
Image for Ambystoma macrodactylum

Western Long-Toed Salamander

Ambystoma macrodactylum

photo credit: Darian Santner

Long-toed salamanders live in diverse habitats including coniferous forest, oak woodland, and marshland communities. They lay their eggs in springs, ponds, small lakes, and marshlands. Migration to those breeding waters begins in winter.
Image for Plethodon vehiculum

Western Red-Backed Salamander

Plethodon vehiculum

photo credit: Darian Santner

The western red-backed salamander can be found along stream banks and in shady forests under rocks and fallen logs. They lay their eggs on land and unlike most salamanders, their larvae hatch fully formed with all their legs.

Let’s learn more about the world around us:

Air Quality

Clean air is vital for all living things. Find out what’s in our air and why it’s important.

Learn About Air Quality

Animals in Clark County

Get up close and personal with the animals around our area and learn why they make our home so special.

Learn About Native Animals

Area Wildlife

Become a citizen scientist or observe beautiful animals in the wild and become part of the iSpy Program.

Learn About Wildlife

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Energy Detective Efficiency Word Search

Energy Detective Efficiency Word Search
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Calculate Consumption
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Substation Word Search

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