Ascaphidae (Tailed Frogs)

Range: Territory from British Columbia to Mendocino County, California in the south, and to the Rocky Mountains of Idaho and Montana in the east. [IMG_1]Genera - 1 Species - 2 Ecology and behavior: Primarily aquatic, inhabiting cold, turbulent mountain rivers; adults in moist, cool conditions may transition to a terrestrial lifestyle. Males do not vocalize. Females lay eggs under rocks in fast, cold streams. Tadpoles use large suckers to hold themselves in turbulent currents, attaching to rocks. Metamorphosis takes an average of 4 years, but can last up to 7 years. Morphological features: Small animals; coloration varies from brown to gray. Larvae are aquatic; pupil vertically elliptical; lungs reduced. The distinguishing feature of the group is the presence of an external copulatory organ (an everted extension of the cloaca), used in internal fertilization, which occurs underwater in fast-flowing currents. [IMG_2] Ascaphus montanus [IMG_3] Ascaphus truei Sources: 1. Amphibian Species Lists 2. Amphibian Species of the World