Amphibians

Kiawah Island is home to more than 20 species of amphibians, including the Southern Toad, Green Tree Frog, and Slimy Salamander.

Slimy Salamander

Dark blue to black with light colored spots. Smooth, moist skin.

WHERE TO SEE

Rare throughout island in moist soil areas.

NOTES

4-7 inches long. Eats ants, beetles, earthworms, and many other insects. Hides under debris and leaf litter during day. Most active at night after heavy rains.

Slimy_KICA

Southern Leopard Frog

Green and brown with large spots on back and sides. Long legs.

WHERE TO SEE

Common around ponds and wetlands throughout island.

NOTES

Up to 5 inches long. Eats insects, spiders, and earthworms. Typically spends days hiding in vegetation on pond edges. Often seen at night on golf courses close to ponds.

LeopardFrog_KICA

Green Tree Frog

Bright green with white belly. Light colored stripe on sides and spots on back. Large toe pads.

WHERE TO SEE

Common on all parts of the island.

NOTES

2-2.5 inches long. Eats primarily flying insects. Active at night. Often seen on home windows at night foraging for bugs attracted to interior lighting.

Greentreefrog_Kotz

Eastern Spadefoot Toad

Olive-brown to black with smooth skin and small warts. Black, spade-like projection on feet and vertical pupils.

WHERE TO SEE

Uncommon and rarely seen.

NOTES

2-3.5 inches long. Eats insects, spiders, earthworms, and snails. Very good digger, spends days in shallow burrows. Most active at night. The only toad with vertical pupils.

spadefoot_Keith

Eastern Narrowmouth Toad

Smooth brownish- gray to reddish skin. Pointed snout.

WHERE TO SEE

Uncommon throughout island near wetlands.

NOTES

About an inch long. Eats primarily ants. Most visible at night during breeding season (summer) around freshwater wetlands. Often heard making a sheep-like whinny call.

narrowmouth_Keith

Southern Toad

Brown, warty skin with spots. Pale belly.

WHERE TO SEE

Common on all parts of the island.

NOTES

Averages 3 inches long. Eats a variety of insects. Often seen in parking lots foraging under lights at night. Enlarged glands behind eyes secrete a poison if crushed. Wash hands after handling.

Southern-Toad