American toad

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). There has been some hybridization with the Woodhouse's toad (Anaxyrus woodhousii) when there is range overlap.