Vertebrate Zoology

Herpetology

Online Guide to the Amphibians
and Reptiles of Connecticut

American Toad
Bufo americanus

Amphibia: Frogs and Toads | Salamanders
Reptilia: Turtles | Snakes | Lizards
Division of Vertebrate Zoology | Herpetology

Description

A brown or brownish gray toad of 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10 cm) in length. The brown spots on the back generally contain 1 or 2 wart-like protuberances. The belly is creamy white with a peppering of dark spots.

Reproduction

Breeds in vernal pools and more permanent pools providing habitat is otherwise suitable with a lot of submerged vegetation. Egg masses are string-like, rather than clumped.

Juveniles

This American Toad larva from Canaan, Connecticut (at right) is nearly finished with metamorphosis.

Vocalization

Listen

Habitat

Highly variable. The species can be found in mixed hardwood forests, or suburban backyards. Typical requirements include sandy soil with leaf litter or other substrate to hide under, and some source of moisture.

Food

Invertebrates, including insects and earthworms.

Range

Widespread throughout the state.

Status

Common.

References

Conant, R. and J.T. Collins. 1991. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians: Eastern/Central North America. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. 450 pp.

Klemens, M.W. 1993. Amphibians and Reptiles of Connecticut and Adjacent Regions. Hartford, CT: State Geological and Natural History Survey of Connecticut Bulletin 112. 318 pp.

Credits

Text by Gregory J. Watkins-Colwell.
Photographs © Twan Leenders. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Animals featured in photographs on this page are from Connecticut.

Audio files from The Calls of Frogs and Toads [book and CD-ROM]
Published March 2004 by Stackpole Books; 1.800.732.3669.
© 1994 Lang Elliott/NatureSound Studio
http://www.naturesound.com/stackpole/frogs.html
All rights reserved. Used by permission.

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