HABITAT

Shallow, grassy edges of ponds and lakes, ditches, puddles. Adults are accomplished burrowers and can be found near bodies of water in damp soil, under logs, beneath rock and in leaf litter.  

BREEDING SEASON

Spring/Summer, March-October

SIMILAR TADPOLES

 None

APPEARANCE

Head

A pointed head with lateral eyes.

Body

Gastrophryne carolinensis is another Southeastern species that has a very unique tadpole.  They are dorso-laterally flattened such that the body looks square from above.  Their bodies are dark, almost jet black. The belly is also dark with lateral whitish blotches and the intestinal coil cannot be seen through the skin. 

Tail

On the tail, a lateral white stripe extends from the body and runs part way down the middle of the tail muscle.  Their single spiracle is ventral to their anus, which is unlike any other Southeast species.

APPROXIMATE MAXIMUM SIZE

Small: 1.0-1.9 inches, 25-48mm.