Tarahumara Frog
Lithobates tarahumarae
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 obs…
How to identify
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.
Range
This species of frog is found in Arizona, few canyons in Pajarito, Tumacacori and Santa Rita mountains.
Habitat
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.
Similar species
The crawfish frog or Lithobates areolatus has numerous dark brown spots present on its back. Each spot has a light-colored ring around it. This species has a distinct skin fold found on either side of its back, which are more pronounced in males compared to their female counterparts. The Plains leopard frog or Lithobates blairi has distinctive dark colored, irregular spotting on its back. The plains leopard is typically brown in color. The Patzucuaro frog or LIthobates dunni has asymmetric yellow-gray markings on the dorsum which is dark grey. The head of this species is yellowish-white with some gray spotting. The ventral surfaces are white with exception from the gray chest and chin. The toes of this species are webbed and have rounded tips.
Name and etymology
Tarahumarae: Of the Sierra Tarahumare, Mexico.
At a glance
Range
This species of frog is found in Arizona, few canyons in Pajarito, Tumacacori and Santa Rita mountains.
Habitat
This species is nocturnal and inhabits rugged canyons with deep plunge pools. The vegetation found in these canyons is charac…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap