California Red-legged Frog
Rana draytonii
Ranges in size from 1.7-5.5 inches in body length. Usually colored some shade of greenish or reddish brown on the back, with lighter sides and a pale underbelly. Addition…
How to identify
Ranges in size from 1.7-5.5 inches in body length. Usually colored some shade of greenish or reddish brown on the back, with lighter sides and a pale underbelly. Additional markings include dark grey spots on the back, and bands on the rear legs. The spots are more prominent in juveniles. Dorsolateral skin folds running from behind each eye to the hip are distinctive of this species.
Range
Throughout coastal California into northern Baja peninsula. Also found along the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Habitat
Diurnal species that prefers dense vegetation surrounding lakes, ponds, irrigation ditches, or slow-moving streams.
Variations
Primary coloration varies from dark red to light green with brown undertones.
Similar species
Most similar in appearance to the northern red-legged frog (*Rana aurora*), but has less pronounced red coloration on its sides, and these species do not share a range. Also similar to the Southern Mountain yellow-legged frog (*Rana muscosa*), which has a more distinctive mottled pattern. The California red-legged frog could potentially be confused with a small American bullfrog (*Lithobates catesbeianus*) as their range does overlap.
Name and etymology
Draytonii: Honoring Joseph Drayton.
More illustrations
Underside
At a glance
Range
Throughout coastal California into northern Baja peninsula. Also found along the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada mount…
Habitat
Diurnal species that prefers dense vegetation surrounding lakes, ponds, irrigation ditches, or slow-moving streams.
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap