Bufo americanus

Scientific name. Bufo americanus

Common Name. American Toad

General information. Bufo americanus is nocturnal and feeds on insects and other invertebrates. During the cold winter, B. americanus survives by burrowing into the soil.

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

Diagnostic features. Parotoid glands usually separated from cranial crests, or connected by short spur Only one or two warts per dark spot. Short, sturdy legs and prominent eyes.

Coloration. Typically plain brown; may also be gray, olive, or red, with light-colored patches Ventral surface light colored with spots Middorsal stripe may or may not be present Adult males with dark throats.

General distribution. The range of Bufo americanus extends from southern portions of Canada, west to the eastern edge of the Dakotas and south into the northern reaches of all of the Gulf Coast states, except Florida.

Texas distribution. In Texas, the one subspecies of Bufo americanus, B. a. charlesmithi is found only in the extreme northeast corner of the state.

Habitat. The habitat of Bufo americanus varies widely from mountain wilderness to urban areas. Moist areas are required for shelter, and pools or small bodies of water are necessary for breeding.

Reproduction. Bufo americanus breeding occurs from March to July. It is typically the toad species to begin calling in the spring. The female lays strings of dark eggs in the water.

Size. Adult Bufo americanus typically reach lengths of 5-8 cm (2-3.5 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.