Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad

Description:

Eastern narrowmouth toads are comparably small, growing to a maximum length of approximately 5.33 centimeters (2.1 inches). They have an oval shaped body and a narrow head with a pointed snout. They vary in color from brown, grey, to green, often with black and white spotting. Gastrophryne carolinensis toads have a typical teardrop-shaped body that is characteristic to members of the Microhylidae family. Though it’s morphology lacks a tympanum (eardrum), the subgular vocal sac is clearly visible.[5] The Eastern narrow-mouthed toad can grow to approximately 3.8 centimeters (1.5 inches) long. They have a distinguishable pointed, narrow head with a small mouth, and a fold of skin that runs immediately behind their small eyes, and when viewed from above, the species appears ovoid. Its legs are generally stubby with short, heavy legs, and the tips of the toes are round and tapered

Habitat:

The species is highly fossorial, and feeds primarily on ants.

Notes:

G. carolinensis is only one of three species belonging to the Microhylidae family that is native to the United States. The species resides in the southeastern quarter of the United States, extending from west to Missouri and eastern Texas, and from southern Maryland to the Florida Keys, as well as in an isolated colony in Iowa. The sexual orientation of the Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad can easily be determined due to its characteristic sexual dimorphism. The coloration of the throat region for males is dark and highly pigmented, while the females throat is absent of this discriminate coloration.