|
|
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Stocky build, parotoid glands, warty skin, horizontal pupils, no teeth.
Bufo boreas (Western Toad) |
Bufo cognatus (Great Plains Toad) |
Bufo microscaphus (Southwestern Toad) |
Bufo punctatus (Red-Spotted Toad) |
Bufo woodhousii (Woodhouse's Toad) |
The true toads are characterized by squat, plump bodies with short legs and rough, warty skin. They are the only tail less amphibians that have large parotid glands. These glands and their warts secrete a white viscous poison that deters perdition and can cause death or paralysis. Contrary to popular belief, touching toad doesn't cause warts in humans. Toads also lack an anterior breastbone and do not have teeth. Males have a rudimentary ovary which can become functional if the testes are damaged.
All of the toads in the United States are from on genus, Bufo. The typically breed in the spring and summer after it rains. Males develop dark nuptial pads on the thumbs and inner fingers that assist in amplexus, which unlike the Spadefoot Toads, is pectoral. Their pupils are horizontal whereas in the Spadefoot Toads, pupils are vertical. In most species, breeding males also develop a dark throat. Male congregate in breeding areas and call in females.
OTHER FAMILY PAGES:
|
(Mole Salamanders) |
(Tailed Frog) |
(Spadefoot Toads) |
|
(True Toads) |
(Tree Frogs) |
(True Frogs) |
USDA,
Forest Service
Federal
Building
324
25th Street
Ogden,
Utah 84401