Exploring the Official State Amphibians of the United States
Amphibians—a diverse group of animals including frogs, toads, and salamanders that typically spend part of their lives in water and part on land—hold a special place in the natural heritage of many American regions. Across the United States, various states and territories have chosen specific species to represent their unique ecosystems and local wildlife.
These designations are established either through long-standing tradition or through formal action by respective state legislatures. While many states celebrate these creatures, the number of official designations remains relatively small compared to the total number of states.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบKey Facts
- As of 2023, only 28 states and one territory have an officially designated state amphibian.
- Designations are made through state legislatures or established by tradition.
- Some states, such as North Carolina and Ohio, designate both a specific state frog and a state salamander.
- Certain species, like the American bullfrog in Iowa and the Common coquí in Puerto Rico, hold unofficial status.
Understanding State Designations
The process of selecting a state amphibian often reflects the biological diversity of a region. For instance, some states choose species that are widely recognized, while others select more specialized creatures, such as the Tennessee cave salamander, which is adapted to specific subterranean environments.
It is important to note that not all designations are permanent or universally recognized in the same way. Some species are currently proposed (such as the Wood frog in New York) or have been designated through legislative bills that may have different levels of official standing. Additionally, some states maintain separate honors for different types of amphibians, distinguishing between frogs and salamanders.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบA Comprehensive List of State and Territorial Amphibians
The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the species, their scientific names, and the year they were officially recognized.
| State / Territory | Common Name | Scientific Name | Year Designated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Red Hills salamander | Phaeognathus hubrichti | 2000 |
| Arizona | Arizona tree frog | Hyla eximia | 1986 |
| California | California red-legged frog | Rana draytonii | 2014 |
| Colorado | Western tiger salamander | Ambystoma mavortium | 2012 |
| Georgia | American green tree frog | Hyla cinerea | 2005 |
| Idaho | Idaho giant salamander | Dicamptodon aterrimus | 2015 |
| Illinois | Eastern tiger salamander | Ambystoma tigrinum | 2005 |
| Iowa | American bullfrog | Rana catesbeiana | Unofficial |
| Kansas | Barred tiger salamander | Ambystoma mavortium | 2005 |
| Louisiana | American green tree frog | Hyla cinerea | 1993 |
| Maine | Spring peeper | Pseudacris crucifer | 2025 |
| Minnesota | Northern leopard frog | Rana pipiens | Proposed 1999 |
| Missouri | American bullfrog | Rana catesbeiana | 2005 |
| New Hampshire | Red-spotted newt | Notophthalmus viridescens | 1985 |
| New Jersey | Pine Barrens tree frog | Dryophytes andersonii | 2018 |
| New Mexico | New Mexico spadefoot toad | Spea multiplicata | 2003 |
| New York | Wood frog | Lithobates sylvaticus | Proposed 2015 |
| North Carolina | Pine barrens tree frog (frog) | Hyla andersonii | 2013 |
| North Carolina | Marbled salamander (salamander) | Ambystoma opacum | 2013 |
| Ohio | Spotted salamander (amphibian) | Ambystoma maculatum | 2010 |
| Ohio | American bullfrog (frog) | Rana catesbeiana | 2010 |
| Oklahoma | American bullfrog | Rana catesbeiana | 1997 |
| Pennsylvania | Eastern hellbender | Cryptobranchus alleganiensis | 2019 |
| South Carolina | Spotted salamander | Ambystoma maculatum | 1999 |
| Tennessee | Tennessee cave salamander | Gyrinophilus palleucus | 1995 |
| Texas | Texas toad | Bufo speciosus | 2009 |
| Vermont | Northern leopard frog | Rana pipiens | 1998 |
| Virginia | Red salamander | Pseudotriton ruber | 2018 |
| Washington | Pacific tree frog | Pseudacris regilla | 2007 |
| West Virginia | Red salamander | Pseudotriton ruber | 2015 |
| Wyoming | Blotched tiger salamander | Ambystoma mavortium melanostictum | 2019 |
| Puerto Rico | Common coquí | Eleutherodactylus coqui | Unofficial |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many states have an official state amphibian?
As of 2023, 28 states have officially designated an amphibian, along with one U.S. territory.
Can a state have more than one state amphibian?
Yes. Some states, such as North Carolina and Ohio, have designated separate species to serve as the official state frog and the official state salamander.
What is the difference between an official and unofficial designation?
Official designations are typically established through state legislatures or long-standing tradition. Unofficial designations, such as the American bullfrog in Iowa or the Common coquí in Puerto Rico, are widely recognized but lack formal legislative status.
What does "proposed" mean in the context of state symbols?
A "proposed" designation means that a specific species, such as the Wood frog in New York, has been suggested for the honor but has not yet been formally finalized through the official legislative or traditional process.
Are salamanders considered amphibians?
Yes, salamanders are a type of amphibian. Many states specifically choose a salamander to represent their state's biological identity.