American toad: Difference between revisions
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== Range and Subspecies == | == Range and Subspecies == | ||
These toads can be found throughout most of the Eastern and Central parts of the United States and Canada. It prefers cool woodlands with lots of moisture, but can live in meadows, fields, and gardens. There are thought to be three different subspecies of the American toad. There are currently two subspecies of the American toad, the Eastern American toad (Anaxyrus americanus) and the Dwarf American toad (A. a. charlesmithi). | These toads can be found throughout most of the Eastern and Central parts of the United States and Canada. It prefers cool woodlands with lots of moisture, but can live in meadows, fields, and gardens. There are thought to be three different subspecies of the American toad. There are currently two subspecies of the American toad, the Eastern American toad (Anaxyrus americanus) and the Dwarf American toad (A. a. charlesmithi). The range of the Dwarf American Toad is more concentrated. [[File:range23.gif]] | ||
There has been some hybridization with the Woodhouse's toad (Anaxyrus woodhousii) when there is range overlap. | There has been some hybridization with the Woodhouse's toad (Anaxyrus woodhousii) when there is range overlap. | ||
Revision as of 17:47, 12 April 2021
American toad(Anaxyrus americanus): the American toad is a common toad species that can be found throughout the Eastern and Central parts of the United States and Canada.
Description
The American toad is a medium size toad that grows up to 5-9 cm or 2-4 inches in length. Its coloration can change with the humidity and temperature. Predominantly brown, it can have hues of red or olive green. Noticeable warts on its skin, two large ones behind their eyes. These bumps behind their eyes are their parotoid glands that can secrete a bufotoxin, that is used to deter predators. Their bellies are whitish or yellow, usually with dark spots. Females are slightly larger than males.
Range and Subspecies
These toads can be found throughout most of the Eastern and Central parts of the United States and Canada. It prefers cool woodlands with lots of moisture, but can live in meadows, fields, and gardens. There are thought to be three different subspecies of the American toad. There are currently two subspecies of the American toad, the Eastern American toad (Anaxyrus americanus) and the Dwarf American toad (A. a. charlesmithi). The range of the Dwarf American Toad is more concentrated. 
There has been some hybridization with the Woodhouse's toad (Anaxyrus woodhousii) when there is range overlap.