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Amphibians |  |
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Numerous aquatic Salamanders, Newts, Toads and Frog species
call Missouri home. Hellbenders, Spotted Salamanders,
Central Newts, Cave Salamanders, Nortern Spring Peepers, Western Chorus Frogs,
Bull Frogs, Gray Tree Frogs, Plains Spadefoot, and the Eastern American Toads
are just a few of the amphibian species you may encounter across the state.
The rivers, lakes and creeks, caves, springs, ponds, woodland puddles and
drainage ditches provide an abundance of amphibian habitat. While Northern
Spring Peepers like a fish free woodland pool for their spring time breeding
orgies, the deep bellowing mating call of the Bull Frog is more likely herd
from the muddy bank of a farm pond. The solitary Hellbender spends it's time
under rocks in Ozark streams dinning on crayfish and is seldom seen by most
Missourians. The magic of metamorphic change from egg to tadpole to froglet
to adult frog is an incredible sight to behold. Amphibians are watch species
for environmental problems and water quality. The sounds of calling frogs
across Missouri is a spring time treasure. 
Resources:
Missouri Department of Conservation - Amphibians
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