Bufo punctatus

Scientific name. Bufo punctatus

Common Name. Red-spotted Toad

General information. Bufo punctatus is mainly nocturnal, however it may be diurnal during breeding. It feeds on insects.

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

Diagnostic features. Distinct small and round parotoid glands. Overall flattened body Cranial crests slightly developed, or absent

Coloration. Gray, shades of brown, or pale olive, with reddish warts in dark blotches Dusky throat on males, light-colored throat on females.

General distribution. In North America, Bufo punctatus has a broad range across the southwestern U. S. and northern Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Bufo punctatus can be found throughout most of the western two-thirds of the state.

Habitat. Bufo punctatus is a desert resident preferring to live in rocky areas and open grasslands; B. punctatus typically remains near a water source such as a spring, stream, or cattle tank.

Reproduction. Breeding in Bufo punctatus occurs from April to September, coincident with seasonal rainfall. Males call from the edge of a water source.

Size. Bufo punctatus is one of the smaller members of the genus, measuring only 3.5-7.5 cm (1.5-3 in) as an adult.

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.