Incilius valliceps
ExploreAmphibians
Incilius valliceps
Incilius valliceps
The Incilius valliceps, or the Mexican Burrowing Toad, is a small toad that loves to dig in the ground. It has a special skin that helps it stay moist and safe in its underground home.
Habitat: Desert and grasslands
Appearance
The Incilius valliceps is a warty-skinned amphibian, typically grayish-brown to reddish-brown, often sporting a light stripe down its back. It has prominent cranial crests and large parotoid glands behind its eyes, making its head look distinctively ridged.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderAnuraFamilyBufonidaeGenusIncilius
Category
AmphibiansRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A single female Gulf Coast Toad can lay thousands of eggs in long, jelly-like strings!
Adult toads have no teeth, so they swallow their prey whole with a sticky tongue!
Their high-pitched trilling calls can be heard from far away during breeding season!
They don't drink water; instead, they absorb it through special patches on their skin!
Special abilities
Ability
Toxic Shield
Incilius valliceps can release a milky, toxic substance from glands behind its eyes to deter predators.
Ability
Dirt Digger
Incilius valliceps can use its strong hind legs to quickly burrow into the soil for safety or to keep cool.
Ability
Invisible Skin
Incilius valliceps has mottled, earthy-toned skin that provides excellent camouflage against leaves and soil.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 5-13 cm
- Weight
- 0.02-0.08 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years
- Top Speed
- 1.5 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 2500-10000
- Metamorphosis
- 20-45 days
Diet & Feeding
Adult Gulf Coast Toads are insect hunters, using their sticky tongues to catch small critters.
Age differences: Tadpoles eat algae and detritus; adults hunt insects and small invertebrates.
Primary Foods
- Beetles
- Ants
- Crickets
- Spiders
- Slugs
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eats
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Predators of young toads and tadpoles.
eats
Diamondback Water Snake
Nerodia rhombifer
Preys on adult toads near water sources.
eats
Silky Ant
Formica fusca
A common food source for adult toads.
eaten by
Great Horned Owl
Bubo virginianus
Can prey on adult toads during night hunting.
Traits
Burrowing
Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Desert
Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Always wash your hands after touching any toad, as their skin can be sensitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Incilius valliceps?
5-13 cm
How much does Incilius valliceps weigh?
0.02-0.08 kg
How long does Incilius valliceps live?
5-10 years
How fast can Incilius valliceps move?
1.5 km/h
What does Incilius valliceps eat?
Adult Gulf Coast Toads are insect hunters, using their sticky tongues to catch small critters.
Where is Incilius valliceps usually found?
Desert and grasslands
How does Incilius valliceps hunt?
Ambush
How many eggs does Incilius valliceps lay?
2500-10000
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