19 Types of Frogs in Kansas

Kansas is home to several frog species, from the common American bullfrog to the more secretive northern cricket frog. The best places to spot them are near permanent water sources like ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. Start your search in the eastern third of the state, especially after spring rains.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 6, 2026.

Verified species, source iNaturalist

19 types of frogs recorded in Kansas

19 frog species have a verified observation record in Kansas, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.

  • Blanchard's Cricket Frog (Acris blanchardi), a species recorded in Kansas1

    Blanchard's Cricket Frog

    Acris blanchardi

    2,555 records

    Laura Clark CC BY

    Wikipedia
  • Woodhouse's Toad (Anaxyrus woodhousii), a species recorded in Kansas2

    Woodhouse's Toad

    Anaxyrus woodhousii

    1,932 records

    Shalana Gray CC BY

    Wikipedia
  • American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus), a species recorded in Kansas3

    American Bullfrog

    Lithobates catesbeianus

    1,701 records

    Nell Cant CC BY

    Wikipedia
  • Plains Leopard Frog (Lithobates blairi), a species recorded in Kansas4

    Plains Leopard Frog

    Lithobates blairi

    1,209 records

    Public domain CC0

    Wikipedia
  • American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus), a species recorded in Kansas5

    American Toad

    Anaxyrus americanus

    961 recordsNative

    Public domain CC0

    Wikipedia
  • Western Narrow-mouthed Toad (Gastrophryne olivacea), a species recorded in Kansas6

    Western Narrow-mouthed Toad

    Gastrophryne olivacea

    656 recordsNative

    Gerardo Reynoso CC BY-SA

    Wikipedia
  • Great Plains Toad (Anaxyrus cognatus), a species recorded in Kansas7

    Great Plains Toad

    Anaxyrus cognatus

    561 recordsNative
  • Boreal Chorus Frog (Pseudacris maculata), a species recorded in Kansas8

    Boreal Chorus Frog

    Pseudacris maculata

    496 records

    James Telford CC BY

    Wikipedia
  • Plains Spadefoot (Spea bombifrons), a species recorded in Kansas9

    Plains Spadefoot

    Spea bombifrons

    345 records

    Mike Duran CC BY

    Wikipedia
  • Southern Leopard Frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus), a species recorded in Kansas10

    Southern Leopard Frog

    Lithobates sphenocephalus

    340 records

    Judy Gallagher CC BY-SA

    Wikipedia
  • Cope's Gray Tree Frog (Dryophytes chrysoscelis), a species recorded in Kansas11

    Cope's Gray Tree Frog

    Dryophytes chrysoscelis

    256 records

    Nick Tobler (Cowturtle) CC BY

    Wikipedia
  • Gray Treefrog (Dryophytes versicolor), a species recorded in Kansas12

    Gray Treefrog

    Dryophytes versicolor

    165 records

    Blake Ross CC BY

    Wikipedia

Also recorded in Kansas

#SpeciesRecords
13Spotted Chorus FrogPseudacris clarkii77
14Red-spotted ToadAnaxyrus punctatus23
15Spring PeeperPseudacris crucifer18
16Strecker's Chorus FrogPseudacris streckeri13
17Crawfish FrogLithobates areolatus13
18Eastern Narrow-mouthed ToadGastrophryne carolinensis11
19Chihuahuan Green ToadNativeAnaxyrus debilis10

Plus 6 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.

Kansas is home to several frog species, from the common American bullfrog to the more secretive northern cricket frog. The best places to spot them are near permanent water sources like ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. Start your search in the eastern third of the state, especially after spring rains.

1. What are the most common frog species found in Kansas?

The most widespread frogs in Kansas include the American bullfrog, green frog, northern leopard frog, and the western chorus frog. Bullfrogs are large with a distinct tympanum, while leopard frogs have spotted bodies. Chorus frogs are small and often heard before seen. For more detail on frog identification, check out ourfrog hub.

2. Where in Kansas are frogs most often seen?

Frogs concentrate near water. Eastern Kansas offers the highest diversity with many ponds and streams. Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge are hotspots. The Kansas River basin also holds good populations. Start at state parks near water. For more on Kansas wildlife locations, see ourKansas wildlife page.

3. When is the best season for frog spotting in Kansas?

Spring (March through May) is prime time. Frogs emerge after hibernation and breed, making them more active and vocal. Summer evenings after rain also produce good sightings. Early morning or dusk offer best light for identification. Avoid midday heat when frogs become less active.

See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

4. How can you tell apart Kansas's lookalike frog species?

Leopard frogs and pickerel frogs both have spots, but pickerel frogs have square spots and bright yellow on hidden thighs. Cricket frogs have warty skin and a dark triangle between the eyes. Chorus frogs have three dark stripes down the back. Use these field marks to separate them. For more lookalike tips, visit ourfrog identification guide.

5. What equipment do you need to identify frogs in Kansas?

You don't need much: a pair of binoculars for distant views, a field guide or app, and waterproof boots. A flashlight with a red filter helps at night without spooking them. Listen for breeding calls, which are species-specific. Good ears are your best tool.

6. What frogs are unique or rare to Kansas?

The Plains leopard frog is a subspecies common in western Kansas. The Great Plains narrow-mouthed toad has a distinctive oval body and is secretive. The crawfish frog is state-threatened and found only in the southeast. These require careful searching. Check the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for current records.

7. Bring the frogs of Kansas home with art prints

If you enjoy frog watching, consider a print to remember your sightings. These pieces capture the beauty of frogs you might find in Kansas.

Red Eyed Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print

A vivid illustration of the iconic red-eyed tree frog, though not native to Kansas, it's a favorite for frog fans.Check Price and Availability

Pine Barrens Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print

A detailed print of the Pine Barrens tree frog, known for its striking coloration.Check Price and Availability

iCanvas Frog Green Wall Art by Jo Lynch

A modern green frog wall art piece that complements any nature-themed room.Check Price and Availability

For more wildlife-themed apparel and gifts, browse ourt-shirts.

Wall art print: Frog by Eimear Maguire on Artfully Walls. Illustration, Animals, framed or unframed art printed on fine art paper

Product from otherCheck Price and Availability

8. Frequently asked questions about frogs in Kansas

*Can you find tree frogs in Kansas?* Yes, the gray tree frog and the boreal chorus frog are common in wooded areas. *What is the largest frog in Kansas?* The American bullfrog, reaching up to 8 inches. *Are there poisonous frogs in Kansas?* No native frogs are dangerously poisonous, but some toads secrete mild toxins. *When do frogs call in Kansas?* Breeding calls peak from March to June, with some species calling into summer.

See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.

Gear and field guides

Frequently asked questions

What types of frogs live in Kansas?+

The most widespread frogs in Kansas include the American bullfrog, green frog, northern leopard frog, and the western chorus frog. Bullfrogs are large with a distinct tympanum, while leopard frogs have spotted bodies. Chorus frogs are small and often heard before seen. For more detail on frog identification, check out ourfrog hub.

How do you tell frogs apart in Kansas?+

The most widespread frogs in Kansas include the American bullfrog, green frog, northern leopard frog, and the western chorus frog. Bullfrogs are large with a distinct tympanum, while leopard frogs have spotted bodies. Chorus frogs are small and often heard before seen. For more detail on frog identification, check out ourfrog hub.

Which frog is most common in Kansas?+

The most widespread frogs in Kansas include the American bullfrog, green frog, northern leopard frog, and the western chorus frog. Bullfrogs are large with a distinct tympanum, while leopard frogs have spotted bodies. Chorus frogs are small and often heard before seen. For more detail on frog identification, check out ourfrog hub.