Amphibians

Eurycea spps. - While doing a flora and fauna documentation of a ranch north of Uvalde, Texas, we discovered a spring fed pool approximately 20-30 feet in length. There was a cave approximately 20 feet above the pool on a cliff. Water ran out of the cave and down the cliff forming the pool. The temperature of the water is a year-round 69-71 deg. F. The maximum depth of the pool is  approximately 4 inches. While looking through the leaf litter in the pool for aquatic insects, we discovered an isolated population of this aquatic salamander. Thus far as best we can tell, it is an undescribed sub-spps. of Eurycea. Understandably the rancher doesn't want this location of the pool made public but rest assured, it's natural habitat is being preserved.

Sonoran Desert Toad (Bufo alvarius) - Also known as the Colorado River Toad. The Sonoran Desert Toad is a huge toad that will pretty much eat ANYTHING that crosses paths with it that will fit in it's mouth including other frogs and toads (as seen in the picture). Historically ranged from southern California though southern Arizona but for some reason it is now believed extirpated from California. It's skin produces a strong toxin that will kill predators that try to eat it, including domestic dogs and cats. The Sonoran Desert Toad is the infamous "licking toad" that some (very odd) people used to lick for it's hallucinogenic properties.  These properties are derived from the same toxins used in it's defense so LICKING THEM IS NOT A GOOD IDEA AS IT COULD KILL YOU! Besides how could anyone lick such a thing? Some people's kids...

Sonoran Green Toad - (Bufo retiformis) - A small, brightly colored toad found only in a small area of Southern Arizona. They are usually not seen in Southern Arizona until the summer monsoons at which time they come out and look for mates, eat and call like crazy. These were found on the Tohono O'Odaham Reservation.

Great Plains Toad  (Bufo cognatus) - The Great Plains Toad seems to be found everywhere toads exist. They are a favorite food of the various hognose snakes and come out in force after rains. This one was found south of Tucson AZ during the monsoons.

 American Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) - The largest frog in the United States occurring all over Texas except the extreme western portions. They reach up to 8+ inches long and will eat pretty much anything that moves and fit in it's mouth including, various insects, mice, snakes, other frogs (including other bullfrogs) and reportedly even birds. Click on the thumbnail for the full sized picture.
 

Barking Tree Frog (hyla gratiosa)- I found several of these while working temporarily in Charleston, SC. Click on the pictures for and enlarged version. 

  American Green Tree Frog (Hyla cinerea)- On rainy nights in Charleston, SC I was able to find many of these frogs along the back roads. They have a "quacking" sound that is very distinctive. Click here to listen to their calls. Click on the thumbnail to see an enlarged version of the picture.

Rio Grande Leopard Frog (Rana berlandieri) - Fairly common around the Rio Grande river and its tributaries. Reportedly able to stand drier conditions than other leopard frogs. Very quick jumpers and very hard to photograph (especially around water).

Green Toad (Bufo debilis) - Found from central Texas Westward to New Mexico. A small toad up to around 2 inches. Usually seen hiding under trash, logs, etc. When found, they tend to lay flat in the hopes of not being seen (which makes for a good photo subject.). 

Great Plains Narrow-mouthed Frog (Gastrophryne olivacea) - Found across most of Texas, OK and Nebraska. Reaches to around 1.5 inches in length. Very odd looking frog who's head is very small compared to its body and has a pointed snout with a fold of skin over its head. Usually found in shallow burrows under trash, logs, rocks and oddly enough sometimes right next to Tarantulas. If you pick one of these up, be sure to wash you hands quickly. A type of toxin in their skin secretions causes severe burning  in the eyes and nose and it doesn't wear off for a while. I found this out the hard way. Reportedly feeds exclusively on ants.

Couch's Spadefoot Toad (Scaphiopus couchii) - Found throughout central and western Texas. Usually encountered on paved roads during or shortly after a rain. Identified by their large bulging eyes, green (somtimes brightly green) skin and by a sickle-shaped tubercle, or "spade" on their hind feet which gives them their name. They are found from semi-arid grasslands to the driest parts of the desert and survive by burrowing underground during dry periods. If collected and later placed on dry ground, they immediately begin to dig with their hind feet burrowing underground to await the next rain. They are a favorite food of the Western Hognose spps.

Gulf Coast Toad (Bufo valliceps ) - Found throughout the Southern half of Texas. Reaching lengths of up to 4 and even 5 inches in some cases. Frequently found on roads after rains. This one was found just outside of Leaky, Texas, click on the thumbnail to see the full sized version.

Sonoran Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum stebbinsi) - Although the Tiger Salamander is found throughout the central and eastern U.S., the Sonoran Tiger Salamander is a Federally protected subspecies found in a very small section of Southern Arizona. The one pictured was found in a wash near San Miguel on the Tohono O'Odaham Reservation in Southern AZ. I base the identification only on the available range maps as the various subspecies are very difficult to differentiate.