The True frogs (of family Ranidae), have the widest distribution of any frog family. They are abundant throughout the world, excluding Australia and Antarctica. Only one species is native to Australia, the Australian wood frog (Rana daemelii), and is restricted to the far north. The true frogs are also present in North America, northern South America, Europe, Asia, Madagascar, Africa and from the East Indies to New Guinea.

The true frogs are very varied in relation to size, ranging from small, to the largest frog in the world, the Goliath Frog (Conraua goliath). Many of the true frogs are aquatic or habit close to water. Most species lay their eggs in the water, and go through a tadpole stage. However, as with most families of frogs, there is large variation of habitat within the family. Those of the genus Tomopterna, are burrowing frogs native to Africa. They exhibit most of the characteristics common to burrowing frogs from around the world. There is also arboreal species of true frogs.

Typically, true frogs are smooth, moist skinned frogs, with large, powerful legs and extensively webbed feet.

Taxonomy

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Some authors believe the sub-family, Petropedetinae, is a distinct family, called Petropedetidae.

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