This is a test module for the key to Ranids of SC
Key to the Ranidae of South Carolina
Note to the User
This key was made specifically for the state of South Carolina. Anuran identification is often troublesome owing to difficulty of observation and wide variations in morphology. Meristic characters useful for identification include: dorsolateral ridges, lip-coloration, dorsal coloration and patterning, toe-webbing, ocular stripes, and inner thigh-coloration. However, some species are best identified by song or through a process of elimination.
This key is not a reflection of evolutionary relationships and may only be useful for adult identification.
This key was authored by Ian Fisher.
2a. Conspicuous white spots on lips, primarily dark pigment on venter
2b. White spots absent from lips
3a. Light stripes present dorsolaterally
3b. Dorsum lacks stripes
4a. Fourth toe extends well beyond webbing
4b. Webbing nearly reaches end of fourth toe
6a. Venter is mottled with dark spots
6b. Venter is primarily white or contains dark worm-like markings
7a. Dorsolateral ridges end on dorsum
7b. Dorsolateral ridges extend to hind legs
8a. Yellow coloration on inner thighs, typically squarish twin spots on dorsum
8b. Typically offset round spots on dorsum