List of amphibians of Ontario

Amphibians in Ontario are classified into two orders: Caudata — which includes salamanders and newts — and Anura — which includes toads and frogs. The first order comprises thirteen species classified in four families, and the second order comprises thirteen species classified in three families.

Caudata PhotoNames(common / scientific)IUCN StatusNotesDistribution map Family ProteidaeCommon mudpuppyNecturus maculosusOntario's largest salamander, reaching 20–48 cm. Common in Great Lakes, Saint Lawrence River, and Ottawa River. Often caught by ice fishing enthusiasts. Fully aquatic with external gills retained throughout life. Family SalamandridaeEastern red-spotted newtNotophthalmus viridescens viridescensCommon and widespread in eastern Ontario. Has a unique terrestrial juvenile stage called an 'eft' with bright orange coloration.Central newtNotophthalmus viridescens louisianensisSubspecies of the Eastern red-spotted newt found in southwestern Ontario. Prefers ponds, ditches, and slow-moving streams. Family AmbystomatidaeSpotted salamanderAmbystoma maculatumCommon and widespread throughout Ontario. Can live up to 32 years. Breeds in temporary woodland pools and vernal pools. Essential for forest ecosystem health.Blue-spotted salamanderAmbystoma lateraleCommon and widespread throughout Ontario. Often found under logs and rocks in moist forest areas. Important indicator species for forest health.Jefferson salamanderAmbystoma jeffersonianumFound in southern Ontario's deciduous forests. One of the first salamanders to breed in spring, often while snow is still on the ground.Eastern tiger salamanderAmbystoma tigrinumSecond largest salamander in Ontario at 15–30 cm. Found in southern Ontario's woodlands and grasslands. Spends much of its time underground in burrows.Small-mouthed salamanderAmbystoma texanumRare in Ontario, limited to extreme southwestern regions including Pelee Island. This species is vulnerable to habitat loss and climate change. Family PlethodontidaeNorthern dusky salamanderDesmognathus fuscusFound in eastern Ontario near rocky streams and springs. Breathes through skin and mouth lining as it has no lungs.Allegheny Mountain dusky salamanderDesmognathus ochrophaeusThis species is designated as endangered in Ontario. COSEWIC considers the population critically endangered. Very limited distribution in extreme eastern Ontario.Northern two-lined salamanderEurycea bislineataCommon in eastern Ontario near rocky streams and springs. Named for the two dark lines running down its back.Four-toed salamanderHemidactylium scutatumThis species is likely to be designated as threatened or vulnerable in Ontario. Found in sphagnum bogs and swamps. Can detach its tail when threatened.Eastern red-backed salamanderPlethodon cinereusCommon in eastern Ontario's forest floors. Completely terrestrial - lays eggs on land with no aquatic larval stage. No lungs - breathes through skin.

Anura PhotoNames(common / scientific)IUCN StatusNotesDistribution map Family BufonidaeAmerican toadAnaxyrus americanusCommon and widespread throughout Ontario. Distinguished by its warty skin and parotoid glands behind the eyes. Musical trilling call can last 30 seconds.Fowler's toadAnaxyrus fowleriFound in southwestern Ontario along the Great Lakes shores. Prefers sandy habitats. Call sounds like a crying baby or sheep bleating. Family HylidaeGray treefrogDryophytes versicolorCommon in southern and central Ontario. Can change color from gray to green. Has sticky toe pads for climbing trees and shrubs.Spring peeperPseudacris cruciferCommon and widespread throughout Ontario. One of the first frogs to call in spring. Named for the distinctive X-shaped mark on its back.Western chorus frogPseudacris triseriataFound in western and central Ontario in grasslands and open areas. Call sounds like running a fingernail along a comb. Breeds in temporary pools.Boreal chorus frogPseudacris maculataFound in northern Ontario's boreal wetlands and prairies. Recently recognized as distinct from Western chorus frog through genetic analysis.Blanchard's cricket frogAcris blanchardiThis species is designated as endangered in Ontario. Limited to extreme southwestern Ontario. Call sounds like clicking marbles together. Requires shallow waters with emergent vegetation. Family RanidaeWood frogLithobates sylvaticusCommon and widespread throughout Ontario to the far north. The most northern amphibian in North America, extending beyond the Arctic Circle. Can freeze solid and survive winter temperatures.Northern leopard frogLithobates pipiensCommon and widespread throughout Ontario. Distinguished by dark spots with light borders. Important indicator species for wetland health. Legal to hunt in Ontario.Pickerel frogLithobates palustrisFound in eastern Ontario near cool, clear streams and springs. Has distinctive square spots on back. Skin secretions are toxic to other amphibians.Green frogLithobates clamitansCommon and widespread throughout Ontario in permanent water bodies. Call sounds like a banjo string being plucked. Has prominent dorsolateral folds. Legal to hunt in Ontario.Mink frogLithobates septentrionalisCommon in northern Ontario lakes and ponds. Named for its distinctive musky odor. Call sounds like rapid tapping on wood.American bullfrogLithobates catesbeianusCommon in southern Ontario's large permanent water bodies. Largest frog in Ontario at 9–20 cm. Deep 'jug-o-rum' call can be heard over 1 kilometer away. Legal to hunt in Ontario.

List of amphibians of Ontario

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