Eastern narrow-mouthed toad

Gastrophryne carolinensis

Description:

Small (1/2" long) very sticky bronze colored toad found under a rock. This little guy struck up a defensive posture when I picked him up. The Eastern narrow-mouthed toad (Gastrophryne carolinensis) is a small, plump toad with short limbs, a pointed head and a fold of skin across the back of its head behind the eyes. Adults are usually 7/8” to 1¼” in length. Coloration varies from shades of gray, to reddish brown or brown. They may change color to match their environment. Males generally have dark throats and female’s throats are lighter. The bellies of both sexes are heavily mottled. The toes are not webbed.

Habitat:

Joe Wheeler state park, Alabama

Notes:

I've created a separate spotting for a second frog found close by as it was a blue color & a different shape so I am not certain they are the same species. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/912...

1 Species ID Suggestions

Aaron_G 12 years ago

Eastern narrowmouth toad

Gastrophryne carolinensis Gastrophryne carolinensis

7 Comments

KarenL 12 years ago

Added to NWF mission for its innovative defense. The toads parotoid glands produce a poisonous secretion that helps to defend the toad from predators. This substance, which is called bufotoxin, can cause death in small animals and allergic reactions in humans.

KarenL 12 years ago

Thanks Carol!

CarolSnowMilne 12 years ago

So tiny! I haven't found a frog yet. Cool!

Aaron_G 12 years ago

I learned quickly around here to look at the belly. The eastern (G. carolinensis) has dark mottling on a bluish-white belly, while the great plains (G. olivacea) has a light cream to white belly with no dark spots or mottling. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/844...

KarenL 12 years ago

Thanks Goody! Yes this one puffed itself up as soon as I picked it up - the other one stayed limp & immobile. I didn't get a belly photo unfortunately. This one was very sticky if that helps to confirm the ID.

Aaron_G 12 years ago

Never mind! Alabama only has 1 Gastrophryne. I'm used to distinguishing between 2 species here in Oklahoma.

Aaron_G 12 years ago

It's a narrow-mouthed toad in the genus Gastrophryne. Did you happen to capture a belly photo?? The second image looks like it's giving you a defensive display - puffed up and standing tall.