This is a dark grey salamander with an irregular, greenish stripe down the back growing to 12 centimetres long. Salamanders are seldom seen, spending their time under rocks, logs or boards and feeding on invertebrates and insects. They breed early in the year in shallow water, attaching their brown and white eggs singly or in groups to a stem, leaf or stones. Their larval stage is identified by the presence of feathered gills and long tail fin. One of only two salamanders found in the interior of BC, the name "long-toed" comes from the long fourth toe that distinguishes this species from others.
This toad is grey or tan with a wide body and short legs. It has tiny reddish spots and large, vertical pupils. A dark horn-like knob on the heel of the hind legs enables the spadefoot to dig down into the soft earth and disappear in seconds. It emerges at night, especially after rain, to feed on insects. Its call sounds like a very slow duck quacking. Eggs are laid in very shallow water and tadpoles are able to survive in both hot and dirty water. Spadefoots may remain underground for very long periods, only emerging in wet springs.
This is a frog with variable colouring, but bright yellow upturned eyes and large black spots are distinctive markings. They often breed in shallow extensions of wetlands where water collects only periodically. Hatchlings may be stranded on top of egg masses as water evaporates, swimming away when the water rises after heavy rain.
Much frog habitat has been lost to development, and introduced Bullfrogs and predatory fish have also taken their toll on Spotted Frog populations.
Here are some more representative species to start with:
Common Terrestrial Garter SnakePacific Chorus FrogPainted TurtleRacerWestern Terrestrial Garter SnakeWestern Toad Red:Gopher SnakeNorthern Leopard FrogTiger Salamander
Photos:Jared Hobbs (Great Basin Spadefoot Toad)
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