20 Types of Frogs in New Mexico
New Mexico hosts over 20 frog and toad species, from the tiny New Mexico spadefoot to the colorful canyon treefrog. Most are found near rivers, ponds, or seasonal rains. Start your search at lower elevation waterways in spring and summer for the best chance of a sighting.
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
20 types of frogs recorded in New Mexico
20 frog species have a verified observation record in New Mexico, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
1 of the 20 shown is recorded as introduced to New Mexico rather than native.
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Also recorded in New Mexico
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Northern Leopard FrogLithobates pipiens | Lithobates pipiens | 128 |
| 14 | Texas ToadAnaxyrus speciosus | Anaxyrus speciosus | 127 |
| 15 | Sonoran Desert ToadIncilius alvarius | Incilius alvarius | 76 |
| 16 | Rio Grande Leopard FrogNativeLithobates berlandieri | Lithobates berlandieri | 68 |
| 17 | Arizona Tree FrogDryophytes wrightorum | Dryophytes wrightorum | 28 |
| 18 | Chiricahua Leopard FrogLithobates chiricahuensis | Lithobates chiricahuensis | 26 |
| 19 | Barking FrogCraugastor augusti | Craugastor augusti | 23 |
| 20 | Blanchard's Cricket FrogAcris blanchardi | Acris blanchardi | 14 |
Plus 5 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.
New Mexico hosts over 20 frog and toad species, from the tiny New Mexico spadefoot to the colorful canyon treefrog. Most are found near rivers, ponds, or seasonal rains. Start your search at lower elevation waterways in spring and summer for the best chance of a sighting.
What are the most common frog species in New Mexico?
The most frequently encountered frogs include the **New Mexico spadefoot** (a toad-like frog with vertical pupils), **canyon treefrog** (small, greenish with a dark eye stripe), and **plains leopard frog** (spotted back and prominent dorsolateral ridges). Also common are the **Great Plains toad** and **Woodhouse's toad**, which are true toads with warty skin. For detailed identification, check ourfrog identification guide.
How can you identify frogs in New Mexico by their calls?
Calls are a reliable way to distinguish species. The New Mexico spadefoot produces a short, nasal trill lasting 1–2 seconds. Canyon treefrogs give a two-part whistle like "wee-hee." Plains leopard frogs have a low, creaky chuckle. Listen for choruses after rain in summer. Recordings can help confirm identifications.
Where are the best places to find frogs in New Mexico?
Start along the Rio Grande corridor from Albuquerque to Las Cruces, especially at Bosque del Apache and Percha Dam. The Gila River and its tributaries in the southwest hold good numbers of leopard frogs and treefrogs. Higher elevation streams in the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez mountains have less diversity but occasional sightings. For a state-wide perspective, see ourNew Mexico wildlife guide.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
When is the best season for frog spotting in New Mexico?
The summer monsoon (July–September) triggers explosive breeding for spadefoots and Great Plains toads. Spring (March–May) is better for treefrogs and leopard frogs along permanent water. Early morning or after evening rains give the best odds. Avoid midday heat when frogs are hidden.
What are the key field marks to distinguish frogs from toads in New Mexico?
True frogs have smooth, moist skin, long hind legs, and webbed feet. Toads have dry, warty skin, shorter legs, and parotoid glands behind the eyes. Frogs tend to hop or leap; toads walk or make short hops. Lookalike confusion often occurs between the Great Plains toad and the New Mexico spadefoot, but note the spadefoot's vertical pupil and sharp-edged digging spade on the hind foot.
What frogs in New Mexico are rare or protected?
The **Chiricahua leopard frog** is federally threatened and found only in the southwestern mountains. The **Lowland leopard frog** is a species of concern in the Rio Grande valley. These require careful handling and reporting. Never disturb breeding sites. For more on conservation, visit ouranimal conservationpage.
Frog art prints and identification tools for your home
Once you've identified a frog, bring the field experience home with these prints:
Red Eyed Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print
A vibrant illustration that captures the iconic red-eyed tree frog, perfect for a study or field journal room.Check Price and Availability
Pine Barrens Tree Frog Limited-Edition Print
Detailed artwork of this colorful eastern frog, useful for comparing with New Mexico species.Check Price and Availability
iCanvas Frog Green Wall Art by Jo Lynch
Abstract green tones that fit a naturalist's decor.Check Price and Availability
Browse morefrog art printsfor your 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
Frequently asked questions about frogs in New Mexico
**Are there poisonous frogs in New Mexico?** No native frogs are dangerously toxic, but toads secrete bufotoxins that can irritate skin and harm pets if ingested. **What is the largest frog in New Mexico?** The American bullfrog, introduced, can reach 8 inches. **Do treefrogs climb trees?** Canyon treefrogs climb rock faces and trees near water, often seen at night with a flashlight.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common frog species in New Mexico?+
The most frequently encountered frogs include the **New Mexico spadefoot** (a toad-like frog with vertical pupils), **canyon treefrog** (small, greenish with a dark eye stripe), and **plains leopard frog** (spotted back and prominent dorsolateral ridges). Also common are the **Great Plains toad** and **Woodhouse's toad**, which are true toads with warty skin. For detailed identification, check ourfrog identification guide.
How can you identify frogs in New Mexico by their calls?+
Calls are a reliable way to distinguish species. The New Mexico spadefoot produces a short, nasal trill lasting 1–2 seconds. Canyon treefrogs give a two-part whistle like "wee-hee." Plains leopard frogs have a low, creaky chuckle. Listen for choruses after rain in summer. Recordings can help confirm identifications.
Where are the best places to find frogs in New Mexico?+
Start along the Rio Grande corridor from Albuquerque to Las Cruces, especially at Bosque del Apache and Percha Dam. The Gila River and its tributaries in the southwest hold good numbers of leopard frogs and treefrogs. Higher elevation streams in the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez mountains have less diversity but occasional sightings. For a state-wide perspective, see ourNew Mexico wildlife guide. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
When is the best season for frog spotting in New Mexico?+
The summer monsoon (July–September) triggers explosive breeding for spadefoots and Great Plains toads. Spring (March–May) is better for treefrogs and leopard frogs along permanent water. Early morning or after evening rains give the best odds. Avoid midday heat when frogs are hidden.
What are the key field marks to distinguish frogs from toads in New Mexico?+
True frogs have smooth, moist skin, long hind legs, and webbed feet. Toads have dry, warty skin, shorter legs, and parotoid glands behind the eyes. Frogs tend to hop or leap; toads walk or make short hops. Lookalike confusion often occurs between the Great Plains toad and the New Mexico spadefoot, but note the spadefoot's vertical pupil and sharp-edged digging spade on the hind foot.
What frogs in New Mexico are rare or protected?+
The **Chiricahua leopard frog** is federally threatened and found only in the southwestern mountains. The **Lowland leopard frog** is a species of concern in the Rio Grande valley. These require careful handling and reporting. Never disturb breeding sites. For more on conservation, visit ouranimal conservationpage.
Keep exploring
More wildlife in New Mexico