# Tailed Frogs (*Ascaphus*) Tailed frogs are special frogs that have a little tail! They live in cool, clear streams and are great swimmers. These frogs are very unique because they can stay underwater for a long time. - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Mountain regions ![Tailed Frogs](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Ascaphus_truei_web.jpg&width=800) Photo: Mokele, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ascaphus_truei_web.jpg) ## Appearance The Tailed Frogs are small, flattened amphibians with rough, bumpy skin, usually camouflaged in shades of brown, gray, or olive green. Males uniquely possess a short, tail-like cloacal extension for reproduction. They lack visible eardrums, setting them apart from most other frogs. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Anura - **Family:** Ascaphidae - **Genus:** Ascaphus ## Interesting facts - Tailed frogs are considered living fossils, very ancient creatures. - Their "tail" is not for swimming; it's a special reproductive part! - These frogs can live longer than many pet cats or dogs! - They thrive only in extremely cold, pristine mountain streams. ## Special abilities - **Silent Stream Dweller:** Tailed Frogs lack eardrums, an adaptation that helps them navigate and hunt in noisy, rushing water environments. - **Enduring Youth:** Tailed Frogs' tadpoles can take up to four years to grow into frogs, allowing them to thrive in cold mountain streams. - **Unique Mating:** Tailed Frogs' males have a unique "tail" (a copulatory organ) for internal fertilization in swift currents. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 2.5-5.5 cm - **Weight:** 0.002-0.012 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-20 years - **Speed:** 0.1 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 40-100 - **Metamorphosis:** 730-1460 days ## Diet & Feeding Tadpoles graze on algae, while adult frogs mostly hunt small insects found in their streams. - **Age differences:** Tadpoles primarily eat algae and diatoms, while adults switch to preying on aquatic insects and other small invertebrates. - **Primary Foods:** Stonefly larvae, Caddisfly larvae, Mites, Springtails, Algae (tadpoles) - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Common Garter Snake (*Thamnophis sirtalis*) — Snakes hunt them near stream edges. - **Eaten by:** Cutthroat Trout (*Oncorhynchus clarkii*) — Trout prey on tadpoles and young frogs. - **Hunts:** Caddisfly (*Hydropsyche betteni*) — Adult frogs eat their larvae. - **Hunts:** Giant Stonefly (*Pteronarcys californica*) — Adult frogs eat their nymphs. ## Traits - [Webbed Feet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/webbed-feet): Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Mountain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mountain): This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Freshwater](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/freshwater): Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species. - [Endangered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/endangered): Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. ## Collections - [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always watch your step near water and don't touch frogs unless a grown-up says it's okay. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Tailed Frogs? Check the toe pads, leg length, eye markings, back pattern and body shape. Don't lean on color: some frogs change shade to match their surroundings. Frog Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Tailed Frogs? 2.5-5.5 cm ### How much does Tailed Frogs weigh? 0.002-0.012 kg ### How long does Tailed Frogs live? 10-20 years ### How fast can Tailed Frogs move? 0.1 km/h ### What does Tailed Frogs eat? Tadpoles graze on algae, while adult frogs mostly hunt small insects found in their streams. ### Where is Tailed Frogs usually found? Mountain regions ### How does Tailed Frogs hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Bogachiel State Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bogachiel-state-park) — Washington, US · State Park ## More Amphibians - [Eastern Red-backed Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-red-backed-salamander) (*Plethodon cinereus*) - [California Slender Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-slender-salamander) (*Batrachoseps attenuatus*) - [Cuban Tree Frog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cuban-tree-frog) (*Osteopilus septentrionalis*) - [European Toad](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-toad) (*Bufo bufo*) --- Source: [Tailed Frogs: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tailed-frogs)