A medium-sized ranid amphibian endemic to California and northwestern Baja California, characterized by reddish or salmon-colored ventral leg surfaces and vulnerable conservation status.
Primarily inhabits coastal wetlands, streams, ponds, and riparian areas in California's coastal ranges, typically between 0-1,500 meters elevation, preferring slow-moving freshwater environments with dense vegetation.
Critical ecosystem indicator species, serving as prey for predators and controlling insect populations; plays significant role in aquatic and terrestrial food webs.
