Dwarf American toad (male)

Description:

The dwarf American toad is a smaller version of the American toad which reaches lengths of about 6 cm (2½ inches) and is generally a dark reddish color ranging to light red in some specimens in isolated populations. The spots on the back are reduced or absent, and when present they contain a few small red warts and a black ring around it like in the normal American toad. The warts are always darker than the skin of the toad. Some specimens have a white dorsal line in the middle of their backs. The ventral surface or belly is usually cream colored with a few dark spots in the breast area.

Habitat:

Oak-hickory and pine-oak woodlands, moist prairies, and along river bottoms.

Notes:

This male was calling from a flooded ditch on a gravel county road.