Naturalist Notes: Amphibian Week!
Written by: Cathy Molitor, Naturalist at JNC
Almost every day of the year is some kind of holiday. But did you know the first full week of May is Amphibian Week every year? There’s no better time to shine a light on Michigan’s secretive and surprisingly spectacular amphibians!
What is an Amphibian? The word ‘amphibian’ comes from the Greek word ‘amphibios’, which means "to live a double life." And it is indeed a double life that these critters live. Most start their journey in the water, breathing through gills like fish, transforming into land-loving, air-breathing creatures as they grow up. It’s like magic... but it's science! Amphibians are cold-blooded, which means their body temperature matches the world around them. That’s why they love cool, damp places like ponds, forests, and marshes. Their skin is soft, smooth (or sometimes warty) — and they use it to breathe, drink, and even talk with the world! But here's the coolest part: amphibians are eco-superheroes. They eat tons of insects (goodbye, mosquitoes!), and their sensitive skin helps scientists understand how healthy an environment is.
Michigan is home to over 24 different amphibian species. They are divided into groups of frogs, toads and salamanders.
Frogs & Toads:
Blanchard’s Cricket Frog (Acris blanchardi)
American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)
Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans)
Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens)
Pickerel Frog (Lithobates palustris)
Mink Frog (Lithobates septentrionalis)
Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvaticus)
Gray Treefrog (Dryophytes versicolor)
Cope’s Gray Treefrog (Dryophytes chrysoscelis)
Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)
Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata)
Boreal Chorus Frog (Pseudacris maculate)
American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus)
Fowler’s Toad (Anaxyrus fowleri), this toad is more common in Southern MI
Salamanders:
Eastern Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum)
Blue-spotted Salamander (Ambystoma laterale)
Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum)
Small-mouthed Salamander (Ambystoma texanum) — rare, southern MI only
Marbled Salamander (Ambystoma opacum)
Eastern Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus)
Four-toed Salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum)
Northern Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus fuscus)
Southern Two-lined Salamander (Eurycea bislineata)
Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens)
Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus)
Western Lesser Siren (Siren intermedia nettingi)
Several species of amphibians are already endangered here in Michigan. Sadly, many species are declining due to habitat loss, pollution, and disease. That’s why Amphibian Week is so important—it’s a chance to celebrate these often-overlooked animals and think about how we can protect the habitats they call home.
How you can help amphibians:
Learning all you can about our native species.
Visiting nature centers, parks and zoos that offer programs on amphibians.
Knowing state and federal laws that protect amphibians and their habitats.
Purchasing a fishing license.
Supporting conservation efforts to protect wetlands and other habitats.
Never buy wild, native-caught animals from pet dealers.
Never releasing non-native animals into the wild.
Never handle amphibians when you have insect repellent, sunscreen or soap on your hands – these thin-skinned animals can be harmed or killed by chemicals we consider harmless. And always wash your hands after handling an animal.
You can also help by becoming a Citizen Scientist! The Michigan Herp Atlas Project is a citizen science program that collects observation data about Michigan’s amphibians and reptiles (collectively known as herpetofauna or “herps”). This data helps document herps distribution and changes in populations statewide. The database provides information about species presence and population trends for conservation planning and habitat management. For more information visit https://miherpatlas.org/
