Checklist of Amphibian Species and Identification Guide

An Online Guide for the Identification of Amphibians in North America north of Mexico

Identification Definitions

The following diagram displays the most commonly used terms when referring to the orientation of an organism.

Anterior: Refers to the front or the head on the body of the organism.
Costal Grooves: The vertical folds on the sides of many salamanders (see fig.).
Dorsal: Refers to the "back" of the animal.
Dorsolateral: Refers to something between the back and the side of the organism.
Dorsolateral Folds: Lines of raised glandular skin in an area between the back and the sides.
Dorsum: The back of the animal.
Interorbital: Between the eyes.
Lateral: Refers to the sides of the organism.
Middorsal: Refers to the center of the back.
Parotid Gland: Large wart like galnd located behind the eye in some toads and salamanders.
Posterior: Refers to the caudal or rear of the body of the animal.
Postorbital: Behind the eyes.
Venter: The belly of the organism.
Ventral: Refers to the "belly" or underside of the animal.

Diagram of morphological features of toads (shown: interorbital ridge, postorbital ridge, and parotid gland)

Cranial Crests or Ridges. Raised ridges or crests on the head located behind and/or between the eyes in some toads.

Drawing by Jundt: Diagram showing Costal Grooves on salamander.

Costal Grooves in Salamanders. The number of folds is often constant or within a constant range for a given species. Counting them can help with species identification.

Return to Contents
Anura: Frogs and Toads - by Family / by Species
Caudata: Salamanders - by Family / by Species