A member of the family Ascaphidae (“tailed frogs”), the genus is represented by only two species, Coastal and Rocky Mountain Tailed Frog, both found only in western North America. Tailed Frogs do not have an actual tail, rather males possess a fleshy appendage that is an extension of the cloaca (exterior opening that serves both intestinal and reproductive tracts in some species). Tailed Frogs are also the only North American frog to fertilize eggs internally. The “tail” appendage is an adaptation to reproduction in fast flowing water, directing sperm into the female and reducing sperm loss during breeding. They live in or near fast moving mountain streams in mature forests.
-
Anterior view
-
Posterior view with tail
-
Tadpole holding onto rock
This is a species at risk. To find its current at-risk designation and listing info, visit the BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer. For direction on finding additional species recovery information, visit the Species and Ecological Communities Profiles Overview webpage.
Resources
-
BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer
Provincial site providing current information for BC’s plants, animals and...
Learn More -
Develop with Care – Tailed Frog Fact Sheet
Tailed Frog Fact Sheet, as part of the Province of...
Learn More -
Coastal Tailed Frog Species Profile
SCCP’s Species Profile of the Coastal Tailed Frog (2015).
-
-