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Sonoran Desert Toad

Incilius alvarius

The Sonoran Desert Toad is a big, friendly toad that lives in the warm Sonoran Desert. It has a bumpy, greenish-brown skin that helps it blend in with its sandy home.

Habitat: Desert

Appearance

The Sonoran Desert Toad is a large, stout amphibian with smooth, olive-green or brownish skin, often sporting prominent parotoid glands behind its eyes. Its relatively smooth texture and impressive size distinguish it from many other desert toads.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderAnuraFamilyBufonidaeGenusIncilius
Sonoran Desert Toad
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgeinsectivorous trait badgedesert trait badge
Sonoran Desert Toad

Category

Amphibians

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Tadpoles of this toad can speed up their growth if their pond starts to dry out, a super survival trick!

Their eyes glow gold or green in the dark when light shines on them, perfect for spotting prey at night!

They make a unique low-pitched 'whooo' sound during mating season, heard only at night!

This toad is one of the biggest native toads in North America, growing longer than your hand!

Special abilities

Ability

Toxic Shield

Sonoran Desert Toad has powerful glands that produce a potent toxin, which helps them defend against most predators.

Ability

Water Sponge

Sonoran Desert Toad can absorb water directly through a special patch of skin on its belly, keeping them hydrated in dry deserts.

Ability

Desert Digger

Sonoran Desert Toad can use its strong legs to quickly burrow into the sand, helping them escape heat and hide from predators.

Measurements & details

Length
10-19 cm
Weight
0.15-0.9 kg
Lifespan
5-15 years
Top Speed
2 km/h
Clutch Size
2000-8000
Metamorphosis
20-45 days

Diet & Feeding

This hungry toad munches on creepy crawlies, small rodents, and even other amphibians to stay full!

Age differences: Tadpoles graze on algae; adult toads are strict carnivores.

Primary Foods

  • Beetles
  • Crickets
  • Spiders
  • Small lizards
  • Rodents
  • Other amphibians

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Boojum ToadColorado River Toad

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Don't touch toads unless you have an adult with you, as some can be slippery and might not like to be held.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Sonoran Desert Toad?

10-19 cm

How much does Sonoran Desert Toad weigh?

0.15-0.9 kg

How long does Sonoran Desert Toad live?

5-15 years

How fast can Sonoran Desert Toad move?

2 km/h

What does Sonoran Desert Toad eat?

This hungry toad munches on creepy crawlies, small rodents, and even other amphibians to stay full!

Where is Sonoran Desert Toad usually found?

Desert

How does Sonoran Desert Toad hunt?

Ambush

How many eggs does Sonoran Desert Toad lay?

2000-8000

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