| This is the largest
and most widespread family of frogs. There are nearly 700 species
and 47 genera within the family. Ranids are found worldwide, except
for Antarctica. In the United States only one genus occurs -- Rana.
This genus is the largest within the family, containing over 250 species
worldwide.
Ranidae contains the "typical" looking frogs. They are usually medium to large in size, have smooth skin, and long legs with webbing between the toes. The rear margin of the tongue has a pair of lobelike projections. Many members of this family have dorsolateral folds - a pair of glandular folds or ridges down the back. There are five members of this family in West Virginia. |