location in its range. The Eikhoms are the only isolated mountain range east of the 

 Continental Divide where this species is found. However, none were found in the southern 

 Elklioms or Big Belt Mountains. In the Lewis and Clark National Forest (L&CNF) it was 

 found to be very local in distribution east of the Continental Divide and was not found in the 

 isolated ranges to the east (Reichel 1995a). Given the unique position of the Elkliorn 

 populations more surveys should be done to better understand and document the distribution 

 there. 

 Montana Natural Heritage Program rank: G5 S5. 



Tailed Frog {Ascaphus truei) 



Description: Adults are gray or brown with gray, brown, or occasionally yellow blotches; the 

 skin has a distinctly bumpy texture. The adult has a snout-vent length of 1.5-2" and lacks a 

 tympanum. The outer toe of the hind foot is broader than the other toes. The male has a 

 bulbous "tail" which acts as a penis. 



Eggs and Larvae: Approximately 50 eggs are laid in rosary-like strings attached to the 

 underside of rocks. The tadpole (up to 2" long) is unique in that it has a large mouth 

 modified into a sucker; the color is quite variable. 



Similar species: No other frog or toad has the outer toe of the hind foot broader than the other 

 toes; all other frogs and toads have a tympanum behind each eye. 



Habitat and Habits: Tailed Frogs are found in and along small, swift, cold mountain streams. In 

 the Cascade Mountains of Washington and Oregon, the Tailed Frog appears to be very 

 sensitive to siltation and frequently disappears in and downstream from clearcuts and water 

 diversions (Bury, pers. comm.). Preliminary findings do not indicate that this is the case in 

 Montana. Eggs are laid during the late summer and take approximately 4 weeks to hatch. 

 Tadpoles take 1-4 years to metamorphose, depending on water temperature (Nussbaum et al. 

 1983; Metter 1967). Sexual maturity in Montana is attained at ages 6-7, (Daugherty and 

 Sheldon 1982) which is the latest age for sexual maturity of any North American amphibian. 



Surveying: Tadpoles are frequently found while electro-shocking fish. They may also be found 

 by turning over rocks in rapid water with a net held just downstream. Adults are best found 

 by walking up streams starting 30-60 minutes after dark. 



Status: The Tailed Frog on the HNF is known from a single observation from the late 1960s on a 

 "tributary of Copper Creek" (Franz 1971). While Tailed Frogs should be considered a 

 species with a very localized distribution on the HNF, it may be more common and 

 widespread in suitable habitat than is currently known. It should be looked for tliroughout the 

 Forest, especially to the south and east of the currently known location. East of the 

 Continental Divide on the L&CNF it was also found to be very local in distribution (Reichel 

 1995a). It seem doubtful that the Tailed Frog is found in the Elkhorn Mountains given the 

 intensity of surveys (A. Harper, pers. comm.), and the surveyors specifically watching for the 

 species, during the summer of 1995. It is common and widespread in northwestern Montana 

 (Reichel and Flath 1995, Werner and Reichel 1994, 1996). Previously it was a USFWS 

 Candidate species (C-2). We would recommend that all sightings of this species be reported. 



Montana Natural Heritage Program rank: G5 S3S4. 



