# True Toads (*Bufonidae*) True toads are bumpy-skinned frogs that love to hop around! They can be found in many places and are known for their loud croaking sounds, especially at night. - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Wetlands ![True Toads](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Bufo_bufo.jpg&width=800) Photo: CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bufo_bufo.jpg) ## Appearance The True Toads have robust bodies and characteristically dry, warty skin, often appearing in shades of brown, green, or grey for camouflage. They typically possess horizontal pupils and prominent parotoid glands behind their eyes, which are distinct from the smooth skin of frogs. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Anura - **Family:** Bufonidae ## Interesting facts - Instead of jumping, many true toads walk or take short, deliberate hops. - Some toads hibernate underground or aestivate during hot, dry periods. - They absorb water through their skin, so they don't need to drink with their mouths. - Toad eggs are laid in long, jelly-like strings, not in clumps like most frogs. ## Special abilities - **Poison Shield:** True Toads have special glands behind their eyes that release a milky poison, helping them defend against predators. - **Silent Swallower:** True Toads can swallow their prey whole using their sticky tongues because they do not possess teeth to chew food. - **Earth Burrower:** True Toads can dig themselves backward into soft soil with strong hind legs, which helps them hide and escape heat. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 2-20 cm - **Weight:** 0.01-1 kg - **Lifespan:** 5-15 years - **Speed:** 2 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 2000-30000 - **Metamorphosis:** 30-90 days ## Diet & Feeding They mostly eat insects and other small invertebrates they can swallow whole. - **Age differences:** Tadpoles are primarily detritivores, feeding on algae and decaying matter. - **Primary Foods:** crickets, beetles, worms, slugs, spiders - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Garter Snake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/garter-snake) (*Thamnophis sirtalis*) — A common predator of toads. - **Eaten by:** [Raccoon](https://www.snappit.app/explore/raccoon) (*Procyon lotor*) — Known to eat amphibians. - **Hunts:** [Field Cricket](https://www.snappit.app/explore/field-cricket) (*Gryllus assimilis*) — A primary insect prey. - **Hunts:** Spanish Slug (*Arion vulgaris*) — Toads consume various slugs. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. - [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wetland): This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [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 a toad, as they can have special skin that might not be safe to touch. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify True Toads? 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 True Toads? 2-20 cm ### How much does True Toads weigh? 0.01-1 kg ### How long does True Toads live? 5-15 years ### How fast can True Toads move? 2 km/h ### What does True Toads eat? They mostly eat insects and other small invertebrates they can swallow whole. ### Where is True Toads usually found? Wetlands ### How does True Toads 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*) --- Source: [True Toads: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/true-toads)