Frogs and toads in Virginia lay their eggs in water. The tadpoles feed on plants and microorganisms. All adult frogs and toads are carnivores that prey on insects.

The family Ranidae is the largest family of frogs. The family Ranidae contains typical looking medium to large frogs with smooth skin and long legs with webbing between the toes. In the United States only the genus Rana, of family Ranidae appears.

True toads have rough, warty skin and belong to the Family Bufonidae. Characteristics of bufonids are the existence of parotid glands that exude toxins and the lack of existence of maxillary teeth.