Narrow-mouthed Toads | Herps of Texas

Gastrophryne carolinensis

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Gastrophryne carolinensis

Common Name. Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad

General information. Gastrophyrne carolinensis feeds mainly on ants, but eats a variety of insects. It remains underground or hidden in debris during the day.

Protected status. The Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Small, oval body with smooth skin Small head with pointed snout and fold of skin immediately behind eyes Hind feet are not webbed; each foot with a single tubercle.

Coloration. Dorsal color varies with environment; may be brown, gray, or reddish. Dark spots in mottled pattern on dorsum may obscure dark dorsum with light stripes. Ventral surface is heavily mottled Adult males with dark throat.

General distribution. In North America, Gastrophyrne carolinensis is found throughout much of the southern United States.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Gastrophyrne carolinensis is found in the eastern half of the state.

Habitat. Gastrophyrne carolinensis prefers areas of ample moisture and cover and is often found near ponds with fallen logs and other debris.

Reproduction. Breeding in Gastrophyrne carolinensis takes place from March to September with rain; males call while floating in water with forelimbs resting on a stem or twig.

Size. Gastrophyrne carolinensis grows to an adult size of 2-4 cm (0.8-1.5 in).

Calls.

Map. Orange counties indicate new county records since previous Herps of Texas update in 1998; all other colored counties reflect known distribution prior to 1998 for species and/or subspecies. Map is based on museum voucher specimens.

Gastrophryne olivacea

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Gastrophryne olivacea

Common Name. Great Plains Narrow-mouthed Toad

General information. Gastrophryne olivacea typically hides under rocks and other debris in damp places and feeds mainly on ants.

Protected status. The Great Plains Narrow-mouthed Toad is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Small, oval body with smooth skin Small head with pointed snout and fold of skin immediately behind eyes. Hind feet are not webbed; each foot with a single tubercle.

Coloration. Dorsal color varies with environment; can be gray, tan, or olive green. Small black spots may appear on dorsum Ventral surface light and unmarked Adult males with dark throat.

General distribution. In North America, Gastrophryne olivacea is found as far north as Nebraska and as far south as Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Gastrophryne olivacea is found in most of the state, except in far East Texas, the Panhandle, and the extreme western tip of Texas.

Habitat. Gastrophryne olivacea is seen in moist areas, in grasslands and on rocky slopes. Gastrophryne olivacea may also be found in rodent, reptile, and tarantula burrows.

Reproduction. Breeding in Gastrophryne olivacea occurs from March to September in rain-filled pools.

Size. Gastrophryne olivacea reaches an adult length of 2-4 cm (0.8-1.5 in).

Calls.

Hypopachus variolosus

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Hypopachus variolosus

Common Name. Sheep Frog

General information. Hypopachus variolosus feeds mainly on ants and termites. The sheep frog hides most of the year, but may emerge at night or with heavy rains in late summer.

Protected status. The Sheep Frog is considered a threatened species by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is fully protected by the state.

Diagnostic features. Small, oval body with smooth skin. Small head with pointed snout and fold of skin immediately behind eyes. Hind feet are slightly webbed and each with two tubercles (Gastrophryne with one)

Coloration. Dorsal color brown or olive green with a thin yellow middorsal stripe. Dark spots in mottled pattern may appear on dorsum Ventral surface is gray with possible mottling. Thin white line down length of ventral surface that branches at the forelimbs. Adult males with dark throat.

General distribution. In North America, Hypopachus variolosus is found from south Texas to Costa Rica.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Hypopachus variolosus is known from the eastern half of South Texas, from Bee County south to Cameron, Hidalgo, and Starr counties.

Habitat. Hypopachus variolosus frog prefers subterranean burrows, such as those of pack rats. This species also burrows under fallen tree limbs and remains in these burrows for most of the year.

Reproduction. Breeding in Hypopachus variolosus takes place from March to September with rain, in Texas typically August and September. Males call while floating in water with their forelimbs resting on a stem or twig.

Size. Hypopachus variolosus reaches an adult size between 2.5-4 cm (1-1.5 in).

Calls.