Photo by Galen Rathbun

Scientific name: Rana boylii

Common name: Foothill Yellow-Legged Frog

Size: 1.5-2.8 in (3.7-7.1 cm)

Distinguishing characters: Small sized frog with dorsum grey, brown or reddish, commonly spotted or mottled but occasionally plainly colored; yellow under legs and may extend to abdomen; triangular, buff-colored patch on snout; no eye stripe; throat and chest often dark spotted; indistinct dorsolateral folds with granular skin.

Juveniles: Characteristic yellow on hind legs faint or absent.

Dimorphism: Male develops nuptial pads on thumb base during breeding season.

Similar species: Hyla cadaverina, Hyla regilla: Both have toe pads. Rana catesbeiana: Groin often dark spotted, lacking yellow color; smooth skin. Rana muscosa: Underside of hind legs and belly yellow to orange; dark colored lichenlike markings on dorsum. Rana aurora: Underside of hind legs and lower abdomen red overlying yellow ground color; prominent dorsolateral folds and eyestripe. Rana pipiens: Has distinct dorsolateral folds and uniform spots.

Additional notes: Uncommon or rare within study area, previously known only from a few river systems in Los Angeles County but could occur elsewhere.

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