Fowler's Toad

Anaxyrus fowleri

Fowler's Toad is a small, cute toad that loves to sit in the sun! They have a unique call that sounds like a musical trill.

Habitat: Wetlands and sandy areas

Appearance

The Fowler's Toad has warty skin, typically grey, brown, or olive green with dark spots, each containing three or more warts. Its belly is usually pale white or light grey, often with a single dark chest spot.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderAnuraFamilyBufonidaeGenusAnaxyrus

Fowler's Toad

Interesting facts

Fowler's Toads often gather in large groups during rainy nights to breed.

Male Fowler's Toads sing loud, nasal "waaaah" calls to attract mates!

They swallow their shed skin to regain nutrients and leave no trace!

Unlike most amphibians, these toads can tolerate slightly salty, brackish water.

Special abilities

Fowler's Toad has glands behind its eyes that release a mild toxin to deter predators.

Fowler's Toad can dig backwards into sandy soil with its hind legs for shelter and moisture.

Fowler's Toad absorbs water directly through its permeable skin, never needing to drink with its mouth.

Measurements & details

Length: 5-9.5 cm
Weight: 0.028-0.056 kg
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Top Speed: 1 km/h
Clutch Size: 4000-12000
Metamorphosis: 30-45 days

Diet & Feeding

These toads primarily feast on small insects and other invertebrates found on the ground.

Primary Foods

beetles
ants
spiders
crickets
slugs
caterpillars

Foraging Method

Ambush

Ecological connections

eaten by

Common Gartersnake

Thamnophis sirtalis

A common predator that can tolerate the toad's mild toxins.

eaten by

Raccoon

Procyon lotor

An opportunistic predator that preys on toads near water.

hunts

Silky Ant

Formica fusca

Fowler's Toads frequently consume various ant species.

hunts

Ground Beetle

Carabus nemoralis

Beetles are a significant part of the toad's invertebrate diet.

Traits

Wildlife

Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.

Singing

Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species.

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.

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.