While no one can agree on an exact number, there are as many as 6,000 known species of frogs. They are found almost everywhere in the world, with over 300 species native to the United States alone. There are just as great a number of cute frogs out there, and we have hand-picked 11 of the cutest just for you!
Even though some people may be terrified of frogs, they are some of the cutest creatures on the planet. Despite their unbelievably adorable appearance, these are not just cute cartoon frogs; they actually exist!
1. Budgett’s Frog
Why is it cute: Has tiny eyes, a big mouth, and a flat body; known as the “Hippo” or “Freddie Kruger” frog
Scientific name: Lepidobatrachus laevis
Habitat: Paraguay, Bolivia, Argentina
Budgett’s Frogs are often kept as pets and are also known for their unusually loud vocalizations when scared. Their flat body, large eyes, and mouth give them a cute, cartoon-like look, which has led to the frog being nicknamed the “Hippo Frog.” They are also known as the Freddie Krueger frog.
Budgett’s Frog is classed as a ‘least concern’ conservation status, which means they are not currently threatened with extinction in the near future. This designation indicates that the species is abundant, widespread, and secure.
2. Mission Golden-Eyed Tree Frog
Why is it cute: It has a friendly expression, big eyes, and big blue-tipped feet
Scientific name: Trachycephalus resinifictrix
Habitat: Amazon rainforest
Mission Golden-Eyed Tree Frogs are fairly large, with female frogs reaching up to 3.5 inches in length. While the adult frogs are not so spectacular in how they look, juveniles are a bright blue color, making them surprisingly beautiful and cute creatures. Also known as an Amazon milk frog, this species is known for excreting milk from its skin when scared or stressed. Mission Golden-Eyed Tree Frogs are also of ‘least concern’ of extinction.
3. Tomato Frog
Why is it cute: It has big eyes and a mouth that give it a funny but cute look
Scientific name: Dyscophus antongilii
Habitat: Madagascar
The Tomato Frog is a species of frog known for its bright red or orange colors. It has a wide, flat head and a short, stubby body. The tomato frog has a unique defense mechanism – it releases a thick substance in the mouth of its predators, which is a numbing toxin and causes the predator to let go of the frog.
Tomato Frogs’ conservation status is ‘near threatened,’ which means they are currently close to being threatened with extinction in the near future but are not yet considered threatened. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the species long-term survival.
4. Golden Poison Frog
Why is it cute: It has a tiny serious-looking face that, coupled with its body stance, gives off a cocky but cute attitude
Scientific name: Phyllobates terribilis
Habitat: Colombia rainforests
Despite its tiny size, the Golden Poison Frog is highly toxic, containing enough poison to kill ten grown men. It is likely the most poisonous animal on earth, so if you spot one, try to resist its cute appearance and do not touch it under any circumstance.
Golden Poison Frogs are an endangered species, which means they are in immediate danger of extinction, and urgent conservation measures are needed in order to prevent their extinction.
5. Australian Green Tree Frog
Why is it cute: With those adorable eyes, who wouldn’t agree they are so cute
Scientific name: Ranoidea caerulea
Habitat: Australia, New Guinea, and New Zealand
The Australian Green Tree Frog is typically light to bright green in color with a pale yellow underside. They are also known for their distinctive “quacking” call when under threat. This frog species has a docile nature and is one of the most popular pet frogs out there. The Australian Green Tree Frog is of ‘least concern’ of extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
6. Red-Eyed Tree Frog
Why is it cute: It has a tiny body, big eyes, and beautiful eyes that make it irresistibly cute
Scientific name: Agalychnis callidryas
Habitat: Central America
The Red-Eyed Tree Frog is a type of arboreal frog, meaning that it spends most of its time in trees, using its adhesive toe pads to cling to branches and leaves. The red-eyed tree frog is known for its bright red eyes and lime-green body.
The Red-Eyed Tree Frog is of ‘least concern’ of extinction.
7. Blue Poison Dart Frog
Why is it cute: Its big black eyes and beautiful blue body give it a cute but serious look
Scientific name: Dendrobates tinctorius azureus
Habitat: Republic of Suriname, Northern Brazil
The Blue Poison Dart Frog is known for its vivid blue and black coloration, as well as its potent poisonous toxins. These frogs secrete a highly toxic chemical from their skin, which can cause paralysis or death if ingested. The Blue Poison Dart Frog is of the ‘least concern’ of extinction.
8. Yellow Poison Dart Frog
Why is it cute: It has beautiful colors and a tiny face, eyes, and body
Scientific name: Dendrobates leucomelas
Habitat: Venezuela, South America
The Yellow Poison Dart Frog is a relatively small frog that can grow up to 2 inches in length. Like the Blue Poison Dart Frog, the Yellow Poison Dart Frog is also highly toxic, producing a potent neurotoxin from its skin, which they synthesize by eating various arthropod prey. The Yellow Poison Dart Frog is also classed as the ‘least concern’ of extinction.
9. Phantasmal Poison Frog
Why is it cute: It has tiny eyes and a stern expression
Scientific name: Epipedobates tricolor
Habitat: Endemic to Ecuador
Whilst poisonous, the Phantasmal Poison Frog is unique in its ability to produce a chemical called epibatidine, which is an extremely powerful analgesic, up to 200 times more potent than morphine. Epibatidine is also non-addictive, making the continued study of this cute but dangerous Phantasmal Poison Frog a continued scientific endeavor of great interest. Sadly, the Phantasmal Poison Frog is an endangered species.
10. Diane’s Bare-Hearted Glass Frog
Why is it cute: It known as the “Kermit” frog and so cute due to its weird eyes
Scientific name: Hyalinobatrachium dianae
Habitat: Costa Rica
Diane’s Bare-Hearted Glass Frog, also known as the “Kermit” frog, is part of the glass frog species. They are typically green frogs with translucent underbelly, allowing one to see their organs. Diane’s Bare-Hearted Glass Frogs are of ‘least concern’ of extinction at the moment.
11. Great Basin Spadefoot
Why is it cute: Dragon-looking plump body and bulging big eyes
Scientific name: Spea intermontana
Habitat: Oregon, Washington, British Colombia, and Canada
Great Basin Spadefoot is a type of toad that reaches up to 2.5 inches in length. They are typically a grey, olive, or brown color, but unlike most toads, their skin is smooth. This type of toad has adapted well to living in dry habitats and tends to use its wide back legs, and hence the name, hide in burrows to avoid predators, such as rattlesnakes, coyotes, and owls. Great Basin Spadefoots are not an endangered species.
FAQs
Why are frogs so cute?
Frogs are cute because of their large eyes and wide mouths, which give them an adorable, cartoonish look. Their round bellies also add to their cuteness, making them seem even more adorable. Many frogs also come in a variety of bright colors that make them appear beautiful as well as cute.
Are frogs good pets?
Frogs can be good pets, but they require special care and attention. They need specific food, temperature, and humidity conditions to stay healthy, and they can be sensitive to changes in their environment. If you are prepared to provide the necessary care, then a frog can make a great pet!
Does touching frogs hurt them?
Touching frogs can hurt them, as their skin is very delicate and can easily be damaged. It can easily absorb oils and debris from our hands, which can eventually irritate the frog’s skin. Touching or cuddling frogs can also cause them to stress from being handled.
What is the rarest frog color?
The rarest frog color is bright blue. It is an incredibly rare color for frogs and is only found in 1-2% of all frog species, such as the Blue Poison Dart Frog. This is because the blue forms as a result of a missing color pigment in their genome.
Can frogs show affection to humans?
Frogs do not typically show affection to humans, as they are very sensitive creatures and can easily become stressed when handled. However, some frogs will learn to associate their owners with pleasant things, such as food, and may become accustomed to them over time or even enjoy interacting with them.
