The Barking Frog might not be the most colorful amphibian you’ll ever see, but it’s definitely one of the most surprising. As the name hints, it actually sounds like a tiny dog when it calls. If you’re anywhere near rocky hillsides in the Southwest and hear what sounds like muffled barking at night, there’s a good chance you’re hearing this frog!
Unlike your typical pond-loving frogs, this species prefers dry, rugged terrain and spends much of its time out of sight. It’s a bit of a mystery-hopper that lives a quiet life tucked inside moist crevices.
Size & Physical Appearance
Barking Frogs are medium-sized, usually around 2 to 3.5 inches long. Males tend to be a bit smaller than females.
Their bodies are stout and slightly flattened, with short limbs and a broad head, giving them a toad-like appearance. Coloration varies, but they’re often gray, tan, or olive-brown, sometimes with dark blotches on the back or crossbars on the legs. This camouflaged look helps them blend into leaf litter and rocky surroundings.
The skin looks slightly rough, but not as bumpy as a true toad’s. One of the more distinctive features is the lack of a visible tympanum (external eardrum), which is unusual for a frog that uses sound to communicate.
Habitat and Range
Barking Frogs are found in the southwestern United States, primarily in Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Texas. Their range also extends well into northern Mexico</strong.
These frogs are adapted to dry, rocky hillsides, especially areas with plenty of crevices and caves where moisture can collect. They’re commonly found among limestone outcrops, canyons, and desert scrub. They’re especially active during the summer rainy season.
You’re most likely to find them at elevations between 3,000 and 6,000 feet, although they can occur a bit lower or higher depending on local conditions.
Diet
Barking Frogs are insectivores. In the wild, they eat a variety of small invertebrates, including:
- Crickets
- Beetles
- Ants
- Spiders
- Centipedes and other small arthropods
They’re sit-and-wait predators, using their excellent camouflage to stay hidden while they wait for prey to come close. Their wide mouth and strong jaw muscles help them tackle surprisingly large meals for their size.
Lifespan
In the wild, Barking Frogs are believed to live around 5 to 8 years. In captivity, with proper care, they can reach 10 years or more, though they’re not commonly kept as pets.
Identification Tips
Barking Frogs can be tricky to identify because of their cryptic appearance and secretive nature. Here are some tips:
- Toad-like shape but with smoother skin and no parotoid (poison) glands behind the eyes
- Broad head and short limbs, with a stout body
- No visible tympanum (unlike many frogs and toads)
- Coloration may include faint blotches or stripes, often matching the rocky habitat
- Listen for the call: it sounds like a short, sharp series of “whaap-whaap” barks, usually at night during the monsoon season
They can be mistaken for some small toads (like the Red-spotted Toad), but differences in call and habitat often help tell them apart. The hidden eardrum and lack of warts are good clues you’re looking at a Barking Frog.
Fun Fact
Barking Frogs don’t lay their eggs in water like most frogs. Instead, they’ve evolved a fascinating reproductive strategy: they lay eggs on land in moist, hidden places, and the tadpoles develop completely inside the egg. By the time they hatch, they’re already tiny froglets. No swimming pool required!
This adaptation lets them live in drier areas where ponds and streams might only appear for a few weeks each year.
In Summary
The Barking Frog is a real standout among American amphibians. Between its unusual habitat, quirky bark-like calls, and land-based egg-laying strategy, it breaks a lot of the typical frog rules. It’s one of those species most people have never seen — but once you learn it’s out there, you’ll never forget it.
Next time you’re hiking through rocky desert terrain in the Southwest and hear a strange dog-like call echoing from the rocks, stop and listen. You just might be lucky enough to catch a performance from this mysterious little amphibian.