# 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.

- **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 2/5 · Low
- **Habitat:** Desert and grasslands

![Incilius valliceps](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Bufo_valliceps.jpg&width=800)

Photo: L. A. Dawson ( Dawson at en.wikipedia ), CC BY-SA 2.5 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bufo_valliceps.jpg)

## 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.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Amphibia
- **Order:** Anura
- **Family:** Bufonidae
- **Genus:** Incilius

## 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

- **Toxic Shield:** Incilius valliceps can release a milky, toxic substance from glands behind its eyes to deter predators.
- **Dirt Digger:** Incilius valliceps can use its strong hind legs to quickly burrow into the soil for safety or to keep cool.
- **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
- **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-horned-owl) (*Bubo virginianus*) — Can prey on adult toads during night hunting.

## Traits

- [Burrowing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/burrowing): Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
- [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
- [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
- [Desert](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/desert): Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna.
- [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.

## Collections

- [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians)

## Safety

**Danger:** 2/5 · Low

Always wash your hands after touching any toad, as their skin can be sensitive.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Incilius valliceps?

Check the toe pads, leg length, eye markings, back pattern and body shape. Don't lean on color: some frogs change shade to match their surroundings. Frog Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### 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

## More Amphibians

- [Eastern Red-backed Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-red-backed-salamander) (*Plethodon cinereus*)
- [California Slender Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-slender-salamander) (*Batrachoseps attenuatus*)
- [Cuban Tree Frog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cuban-tree-frog) (*Osteopilus septentrionalis*)
- [European Toad](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-toad) (*Bufo bufo*)

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Source: [Incilius valliceps: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/incilius-valliceps)