American Toad

Anaxyrus americanus

The American Toad is a friendly toad that loves to hop around in gardens! They have bumpy skin and big eyes.

Habitat: Gardens, fields, and forests

Appearance

The American Toad has dry, bumpy skin that ranges from brown and grey to reddish or olive-green. It often displays dark spots containing one or two warts, and usually has a light stripe down its back. Its large parotoid glands are located behind its eyes.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderAnuraFamilyBufonidaeGenusAnaxyrus

American Toad

Interesting facts

A group of toads is surprisingly called a "knot."

American Toads can live for over 30 years in protected environments!

American Toads eat their own shed skin, full of nutrients!

They absorb water right through their skin, not by drinking!

Special abilities

American Toads have special glands behind their eyes that release a mild toxin, making them taste bad to most animals trying to eat them.

American Toads can launch their long, sticky tongue incredibly fast to snatch up insects, which helps them catch wiggly prey for dinner.

American Toads can dig into soft soil using their hind legs, creating safe underground shelters to stay cool and hide from danger.

Measurements & details

Length: 5-10 cm
Weight: 0.02-0.08 kg
Lifespan: 5-10 years
Top Speed: 0.1 km/h
Clutch Size: 2000-20000
Metamorphosis: 40-70 days

Diet & Feeding

These toads are insect-eating champions, gobbling up pesky bugs to keep gardens healthy!

Age differences: Tadpoles primarily feed on algae and plant matter, while adult toads are strict carnivores.

Primary Foods

beetles
ants
worms
slugs
spiders
crickets

Foraging Method

Ambush

Ecological connections

eats

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

A common predator of adult toads.

eats

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

Birds like herons often prey on toads.

eaten by

Silky Ant

Formica subsericea

Ants are a primary food source for toads.

eaten by

Tobacco Hornworm

Manduca sexta

Toads help control garden pests.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Insectivorous

Discover clever creatures that specialize in munching on insects, playing a super important role in keeping bug populations in check. They are nature's tiny bug vacuums!

Forest

These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.

Longevous

Marvel at organisms that have an incredible capacity to live for a very, very long time, sometimes spanning centuries or even millennia. They are the elders of the natural world!