Which amphibian is the official state amphibian of California?

The California red-legged frog is California’s official state amphibian.

California designated the species, Rana draytonii, as its state amphibian in 2014. The name refers to the characteristic reddish coloring on the underside of its hind legs, although individuals can vary in shade and pattern.

Historically, the frog occupied wetlands, ponds, streams, and grasslands across much of California and into Baja California. Habitat loss, introduced predators, disease, and competition from nonnative bullfrogs have reduced its range. It is federally listed as threatened in the United States.

A common mix-up is the northern red-legged frog, Rana aurora, which is a separate species found farther north. The California red-legged frog is also not the same as the foothill yellow-legged frog, another native California amphibian.