american toad

Description:

Description The American toad is often confused with the Fowler's toad which is similar in appearance. The American toad can be distinguished from the Fowler's by the dark spots found on its back. An American toad has only one, two, or three large warts in each of these large dark spots. By contrast, the Fowler's toad generally has more warts on these spots. Most males are brown, but there is much variation within the species and some males are shades of gray or olive, or brick red. The American toad may also display patches of yellow or buff. The dark spots on its body are brown or black and the warts vary from yellow to brown. Female American toads are larger than the males.

Habitat:

Habitat and Habits The American toad requires both land and water habitats; it prefers shallow bodies of water, such as temporary pools, ditches, or shallow portions of streams, for breeding. On land it seeks hiding places under boardwalks, flat stones, logs, wood piles or other similar cover.