Natterjack Toad
ExploreAmphibians
Natterjack Toad
Epidalea calamita
The Natterjack Toad is a special toad with a loud call and a yellow stripe down its back. It loves to live in sandy areas and is known for its hopping instead of jumping.
Habitat: Sandy areas
Appearance
The Natterjack Toad has warty, olive-brown to greyish skin, often with dark spots and a distinctive yellow stripe down its back. Its pupils are horizontal. Unlike many other toads, it has relatively short legs, giving it a flatter appearance.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderAnuraFamilyBufonidaeGenusEpidalea
Category
AmphibiansRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A group of toads is called a 'knot'—what a funny name!
Natterjack Toads have horizontal pupils, like a tiny line!
Their tadpoles can grow into tiny toads in as little as 8 weeks!
Unlike most toads, Natterjacks often walk or run instead of hopping!
Special abilities
Ability
Speedy Runner
Natterjack Toads can run quickly on land, which helps them chase prey and escape from predators.
Ability
Sand Digger
Natterjack Toads can burrow backward into sandy soil, helping them hide from danger and stay cool.
Ability
Toxic Shield
Natterjack Toads have special skin glands that produce toxins, protecting them from hungry animals.
Ability
Loud Speaker
Natterjack Toads can make a very loud mating call, helping them find partners across wide areas.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 6-8 cm
- Weight
- 0.01-0.025 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years
- Top Speed
- 1 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 3000-7000
- Metamorphosis
- 42-56 days
Diet & Feeding
Natterjack Toads eat many different small insects and other invertebrates, but their tadpoles feast on plants.
Age differences: Tadpoles are herbivorous, primarily consuming algae and detritus, while adults are carnivorous.
Primary Foods
- beetles
- ants
- spiders
- caterpillars
- woodlice
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eaten by
Grass Snake
Natrix helvetica
A common predator in their European range.
eaten by
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Grey Heron
Ardea cinerea
Opportunistic bird predator of amphibians.
hunts
Ground Beetle
Carabus nemoralis
A common insect prey item.
hunts
Red Wood Ant
Formica rufa
Another frequent food source.
Traits
Striped
Marked with parallel bands or lines of color.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
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.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Endangered
Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
Also known as
Common NatterjackNatterjack
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch toads from a distance and don't touch them, as they can be delicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Natterjack Toad?
6-8 cm
How much does Natterjack Toad weigh?
0.01-0.025 kg
How long does Natterjack Toad live?
10-15 years
How fast can Natterjack Toad move?
1 km/h
What does Natterjack Toad eat?
Natterjack Toads eat many different small insects and other invertebrates, but their tadpoles feast on plants.
Where is Natterjack Toad usually found?
Sandy areas
How does Natterjack Toad hunt?
Ambush
How many eggs does Natterjack Toad lay?
3000-7000
Snap Map
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