28 Types of Frogs in Louisiana

Louisiana hosts over 30 frog species, from tiny tree frogs to hefty bullfrogs. The best odds for seeing them are near slow-moving water in spring and summer. This guide focuses on the most common types, their key field marks, and where to look first.

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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

28 types of frogs recorded in Louisiana

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

3 of the 28 shown are recorded as introduced to Louisiana rather than native.

  • Green Treefrog (Dryophytes cinereus), a species recorded in Louisiana1

    Green Treefrog

    Dryophytes cinereus

    3,398 records

    Judy Gallagher CC BY-SA

    Wikipedia
  • Gulf Coast Toad (Incilius nebulifer), a species recorded in Louisiana2

    Gulf Coast Toad

    Incilius nebulifer

    2,850 recordsNative

    Pablo F. Domínguez CC BY-SA

    Wikipedia
  • Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans), a species recorded in Louisiana3

    Green Frog

    Lithobates clamitans

    2,443 records

    Alan Rockefeller CC BY

    Wikipedia
  • Southern Leopard Frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus), a species recorded in Louisiana4

    Southern Leopard Frog

    Lithobates sphenocephalus

    1,503 records

    Judy Gallagher CC BY-SA

    Wikipedia
  • Blanchard's Cricket Frog (Acris blanchardi), a species recorded in Louisiana5

    Blanchard's Cricket Frog

    Acris blanchardi

    1,432 records

    Laura Clark CC BY

    Wikipedia
  • Squirrel Tree Frog (Dryophytes squirellus), a species recorded in Louisiana6

    Squirrel Tree Frog

    Dryophytes squirellus

    1,404 records

    Public domain CC0

    Wikipedia
  • Cope's Gray Tree Frog (Dryophytes chrysoscelis), a species recorded in Louisiana7

    Cope's Gray Tree Frog

    Dryophytes chrysoscelis

    1,242 records

    Nick Tobler (Cowturtle) CC BY

    Wikipedia
  • Fowler's Toad (Anaxyrus fowleri), a species recorded in Louisiana8

    Fowler's Toad

    Anaxyrus fowleri

    1,114 records

    Sam Kieschnick CC BY

    Wikipedia
  • Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad (Gastrophryne carolinensis), a species recorded in Louisiana9

    Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad

    Gastrophryne carolinensis

    859 records
  • American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus), a species recorded in Louisiana10

    American Bullfrog

    Lithobates catesbeianus

    689 records

    Nell Cant CC BY

    Wikipedia
  • Greenhouse Frog (Eleutherodactylus planirostris), a species recorded in Louisiana11

    Greenhouse Frog

    Eleutherodactylus planirostris

    394 recordsIntroduced

    Alex Abair CC BY

    Wikipedia
  • Southern Cricket Frog (Acris gryllus), a species recorded in Louisiana12

    Southern Cricket Frog

    Acris gryllus

    320 records

    Clay Gibbons CC BY

    Wikipedia

Also recorded in Louisiana

#SpeciesRecords
13Spring PeeperPseudacris crucifer309
14Cajun Chorus FrogPseudacris fouquettei268
15Bird-voiced TreefrogDryophytes avivoca208
16Pig FrogLithobates grylio174
17Rio Grande Chirping FrogIntroducedEleutherodactylus campi130
18Eastern SpadefootScaphiopus holbrookii70
19Gray TreefrogDryophytes versicolor63
20Cuban Tree FrogIntroducedOsteopilus septentrionalis61
21American ToadAnaxyrus americanus60
22Southern ToadAnaxyrus terrestris52
23Northern Cricket FrogAcris crepitans37
24Pickerel FrogLithobates palustris37
25Pine Woods Tree FrogDryophytes femoralis32
26Barking Tree FrogDryophytes gratiosus29
27Hurter's SpadefootScaphiopus hurterii12
28Oak ToadAnaxyrus quercicus11

Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.

Louisiana hosts over 30 frog species, from tiny tree frogs to hefty bullfrogs. The best odds for seeing them are near slow-moving water in spring and summer. This guide focuses on the most common types, their key field marks, and where to look first.

1. What are the most common frog species in Louisiana?

Louisiana's frog diversity includes the Green Treefrog, Southern Leopard Frog, Bullfrog, Pig Frog, and Spring Peeper. The Green Treefrog is often seen clinging to porch lights hunting insects. Southern Leopard Frogs prefer grassy edges of ponds. Bullfrogs and Pig Frogs are larger, deep-water residents with deep calls.

2. How can you tell apart similar looking frogs in Louisiana?

Look for dorsal folds, toe pad size, and call pattern. Southern Leopard Frogs have two light-coloured dorsolateral folds running down their back. Pickerel Frogs have square-shaped spots and bright yellow thighs. Green Treefrogs have large toe pads and a pale stripe down each side. The non-native Cuban Treefrog can be harder to spot but has bumpy skin and large eyes.

See ourFrogs guidefor the next step.

3. Where in Louisiana do people usually notice frogs first?

Most sightings happen near freshwater: bayous, swamps (like the Atchafalaya Basin), ponds, and flooded ditches. At night, frogs gather under porch lights or along roadsides after rain. State parks such asToledo Bend ReservoirandLake Fausse Pointe State Parkare reliable spots. Start at any quiet, vegetated water edge after dark.

See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

4. What is the best season for confident frog sightings?

Late spring (April to June) is prime. Temperatures are warm, humidity is high, and breeding calls peak after sundown. Summer storms also trigger activity. Winter is slow except for the Spring Peeper, which can call on mild February nights. For the widest variety, plan trips between May and July.

5. What equipment helps with frog identification in the field?

A good headlamp with a red light reduces disturbance. A small field guide or smartphone app (like iNaturalist) helps with calls and photos. Waterproof boots are useful for wet edges. A camera with optical zoom lets you capture details like toe pads or skin texture without getting too close.

6. How do frog calls help identify species?

Each species has a distinct advertisement call. Green Treefrogs make a short, nasal 'reek' repeated every few seconds. Bullfrogs give a deep 'jug-o-rum'. Spring Peepers produce a high-pitched 'peep' in choruses. Learn a few calls beforehand using online recordings, then match what you hear at the pond.

7. What are some Louisiana frog lookalikes that cause confusion?

The Bronze Frog and the Green Frog are often mixed up. Look at the eardrum (tympanum): in males it's larger than the eye in Green Frogs, but similar sized in Bronze Frogs. Also, the Southern Leopard Frog and Pickerel Frog are confused; check for the yellow thigh and square spots on the Pickerel.

8. Where can you find frog-themed art to celebrate your sightings?

After identifying your first Louisiana frogs, many people want to remember the experience. Easy Street Markets carries limited edition prints featuring species like the Red Eyed Tree Frog and Pine Barrens Tree Frog. These make solid additions to a wildlife room or a gift for a fellow spotter.

Red Eyed Tree Frog Limited Edition Print

A sharp, vivid print that captures the iconic red eyes and blue flanks of this classic tree frog. Great for anyone who loves tropical frog species.Check Price and Availability

Pine Barrens Tree Frog Limited Edition Print

This one features the rare Pine Barrens tree frog, a small, charismatic species with purple stripes. Perfect for adding a pop of colour to a nature wall.Check Price and Availability

iCanvas Frog Green Wall Art by Jo Lynch

A modern, green-toned canvas that works well in contemporary spaces. It’s a subtle nod to frog spotting without being too literal.Check Price and Availability

For more apparel and accessories, visit ourwildlife t-shirt collection.

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

9. Frequently asked questions about frogs in Louisiana

**Can you find tree frogs in Louisiana year round?** Most tree frogs are active from March to October. Green Treefrogs may be seen on warm winter nights. **What is the largest frog in Louisiana?** The Bullfrog and Pig Frog reach up to 8 inches body length. **Are Louisiana frogs poisonous?** None are dangerously toxic to humans, but some (like the Green Treefrog) secrete a mild skin irritant. Avoid touching your eyes after handling. **Do I need a license to catch frogs?** A recreational fishing license is required for taking bullfrogs and pig frogs for food. Check current regulations with Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries.

See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.

Gear and field guides

Frequently asked questions

1. What are the most common frog species in Louisiana?+

Louisiana's frog diversity includes the Green Treefrog, Southern Leopard Frog, Bullfrog, Pig Frog, and Spring Peeper. The Green Treefrog is often seen clinging to porch lights hunting insects. Southern Leopard Frogs prefer grassy edges of ponds. Bullfrogs and Pig Frogs are larger, deep-water residents with deep calls.

2. How can you tell apart similar looking frogs in Louisiana?+

Look for dorsal folds, toe pad size, and call pattern. Southern Leopard Frogs have two light-coloured dorsolateral folds running down their back. Pickerel Frogs have square-shaped spots and bright yellow thighs. Green Treefrogs have large toe pads and a pale stripe down each side. The non-native Cuban Treefrog can be harder to spot but has bumpy skin and large eyes. See ourFrogs guidefor the next step.

3. Where in Louisiana do people usually notice frogs first?+

Most sightings happen near freshwater: bayous, swamps (like the Atchafalaya Basin), ponds, and flooded ditches. At night, frogs gather under porch lights or along roadsides after rain. State parks such asToledo Bend ReservoirandLake Fausse Pointe State Parkare reliable spots. Start at any quiet, vegetated water edge after dark. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

4. What is the best season for confident frog sightings?+

Late spring (April to June) is prime. Temperatures are warm, humidity is high, and breeding calls peak after sundown. Summer storms also trigger activity. Winter is slow except for the Spring Peeper, which can call on mild February nights. For the widest variety, plan trips between May and July.

5. What equipment helps with frog identification in the field?+

A good headlamp with a red light reduces disturbance. A small field guide or smartphone app (like iNaturalist) helps with calls and photos. Waterproof boots are useful for wet edges. A camera with optical zoom lets you capture details like toe pads or skin texture without getting too close.

6. How do frog calls help identify species?+

Each species has a distinct advertisement call. Green Treefrogs make a short, nasal 'reek' repeated every few seconds. Bullfrogs give a deep 'jug-o-rum'. Spring Peepers produce a high-pitched 'peep' in choruses. Learn a few calls beforehand using online recordings, then match what you hear at the pond.

7. What are some Louisiana frog lookalikes that cause confusion?+

The Bronze Frog and the Green Frog are often mixed up. Look at the eardrum (tympanum): in males it's larger than the eye in Green Frogs, but similar sized in Bronze Frogs. Also, the Southern Leopard Frog and Pickerel Frog are confused; check for the yellow thigh and square spots on the Pickerel.

8. Where can you find frog-themed art to celebrate your sightings?+

After identifying your first Louisiana frogs, many people want to remember the experience. Easy Street Markets carries limited edition prints featuring species like the Red Eyed Tree Frog and Pine Barrens Tree Frog. These make solid additions to a wildlife room or a gift for a fellow spotter. ### Red Eyed Tree Frog Limited Edition Print A sharp, vivid print that captures the iconic red eyes and blue flanks of this classic tree frog. Great for anyone who loves tropical frog species.Check Price and Availability ### Pine Barrens Tree Frog Limited Edition Print This one features the rare Pine Barrens tree frog, a small, charismatic species with purple stripes. Perfect for adding a pop of colour to a nature wall.Check Price and Availability ### iCanvas Frog Green Wall Art by Jo Lynch A modern, green-toned canvas that works well in contemporary spaces. It’s a subtle nod to frog spotting without being too literal.Check Price and Availability For more apparel and accessories, visit ourwildlife t-shirt collection. ### 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