Frogs are
amphibians in the
order Anura (meaning "tail-less", from Greek
an-, without +
oura, tail), formerly referred to as
Salientia (Latin
salere (
salio), "to jump"). Most frogs are characterized by a short body, webbed digits (fingers or toes), protruding
eyes and the absence of a
tail. Frogs are widely known as exceptional
jumpers, and many of the
anatomical characteristics of frogs, particularly their long, powerful legs, are adaptations to improve jumping performance. Due to their permeable skin, frogs are often semi-aquatic or inhabit humid areas, but move easily on land. They typically lay their
eggs in puddles,
ponds or
lakes, and their
larvae, called
tadpoles, have
gills and develop in
water. Adult frogs follow a
carnivorous diet, mostly of
arthropods,
annelids and
gastropods. Frogs are most noticeable by their call, which can be widely heard during the night or day, mainly in their
mating season.
The distribution of frogs ranges from
tropic to
subarctic regions, but most species are found in
tropical rainforests. Consisting of more than 5,000 species described, they are among the most diverse groups of
vertebrates. However, populations of certain frog species are
declining significantly.
A popular distinction is often made between frogs and
toads on the basis of their
appearance, but this has no taxonomic basis. (Members of the anuran family
Bufonidae are called true toads, but many species from other families are also called toads.) In addition to their ecological importance, frogs have many cultural roles, such as in literature, symbolism and religion, and they are also valued as food and as
pets.
