Tarahumara Frog

Range

This species of frog is found in Arizona, few canyons in Pajarito, Tumacacori and Santa Rita mountains.

Habitats

This species is nocturnal and inhabits rugged canyons with deep plunge pools. The vegetation found in these canyons is characterized by a riparian community. The diet of the Tarahumara frog includes invertebrates and vertebrate like water bugs, hatchling mud turtles and small snakes. Eggs are laid in a spherical mass which lay on the bottom of ponds in shallow water. The eggs could be up to 1800 in number.

Identification

The Tarahumara frog has a length up to 4.5 inches. It is brown in color and may have tinges of yellow-orange or an olive-green wash. The back has dark spots which are obscure with prominent dark banding on the hind legs. The tympanum of the Lithobates tarahumarae is indistinct and the dorsolateral folds are usually very weak or absent. Large members of this species have large dark spots which may merge to form a reticulation.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians