Bufo americanus

The American toad (Anaxyrus americanus) is a common species of toad found throughout Canada and the eastern United States. It is divided into three subspecies: the eastern American toad (A. a. americanus), the dwarf American toad (A. a. charlesmithi), and the rare Hudson Bay toad (A. a. copei).

DESCRIPTION

• Adult American toads are typically small to medium-sized, with their length ranging from 2 to 4.5 inches (5 to 11.5 centimeters).

• Females are usually larger than males, with broader bodies.

• They have a stout and squat body shape with relatively short legs.

• The body is broad and flattened, which aids in efficient movement through terrestrial environments.

• The skin of American toads is covered in small, wart-like bumps, giving it a rough and bumpy appearance. These warts contain glands that secrete toxins as a defense mechanism against predators.

• Skin coloration varies but is typically brown, gray, or olive with darker markings.

• They often have a light-colored, distinctive "Y" or "X" shape on their dorsum.

• Behind each eye, American toads have prominent parotoid glands. These glands produce a toxic secretion that can be harmful or irritating to potential predators.

• The parotoid glands are oval or kidney-shaped and are often outlined in a contrasting color.

• Their eyes are relatively large and have horizontal, elliptical pupils.

• The iris color varies but is often gold or copper.

• American toads have relatively short and sturdy limbs with five digits on each limb.

• The toes are often slightly webbed, aiding in digging and providing stability when moving in aquatic environments.

• They have large, prominent tympanic membranes, or eardrums, which are visible as circular structures located behind each eye.

• The vent, or cloaca, is the opening at the rear of the body where waste products are eliminated. In males, it is associated with the release of sperm during mating.

• In some cases, males and females may exhibit subtle differences in size and coloration, with females being larger and having a lighter appearance.

• There can be significant variation in the coloration and pattern of American toads, even within the same population.

• Juvenile American toads often have more vibrant and contrasting coloration compared to adults.

• Unlike some other species of toads, American toads do not have adhesive toe pads and are not specialized climbers.

• These physical characteristics of Bufo americanus can vary somewhat depending on the specific geographic region and environmental conditions. However, the presence of parotoid glands, rough skin with warts, and distinctive eye and skin coloration are key features that help identify this species.

REPRODUCTION

• The breeding season for Bufo americanus typically occurs in the spring, generally from late March to early May, depending on local climate and temperature conditions. The exact timing can vary with geographic location and altitude.

• American toads are highly aquatic during the breeding season. They congregate at breeding sites, which often include ponds, shallow pools, vernal pools, and slow-moving streams.

• Male toads produce a distinctive advertisement call to attract females. Their calls are often described as a prolonged trill or musical chirping sound.

• Once a female approaches, the male grasps her in a mating embrace called "amplexus." During amplexus, the male externally fertilizes the eggs as the female releases them into the water.

• Female Bufo americanus lay their eggs in long strings or gelatinous masses, attaching them to submerged vegetation or debris in the water. A single female can lay hundreds to thousands of eggs.

• The eggs are surrounded by a clear jelly-like substance that provides protection and buoyancy.

• The eggs hatch into tadpoles within several days to a couple of weeks, depending on water temperature and environmental conditions.

• Tadpoles are fully aquatic and undergo a period of growth and development in the water. They have external gills for breathing underwater and feed primarily on algae, plant matter, and detritus.

• Over time, tadpoles undergo metamorphosis, gradually developing limbs and absorbing their gills.

• The transformation from tadpole to juvenile toad involves the reabsorption of the tail, which becomes more pronounced as they develop into air-breathing juveniles.

• Juvenile Bufo americanus leave the water and transition to a terrestrial lifestyle. They have fully developed lungs for breathing air.

• On land, they feed on a diet of small invertebrates, insects, and other suitable prey.

HABITAT

• Bufo americanus, the American toad, is native to eastern North America and thrives in a variety of habitats.

• It can be found in forests, meadows, urban areas, and gardens. These toads require access to moisture and breeding sites in freshwater habitats like temporary pools and ponds.

• They seek shelter in burrows, leaf litter, and rock crevices, primarily coming out at night.

•  American toads are adaptable and capable of withstanding various temperatures, making them common and resilient inhabitants of their range. While not endangered, habitat loss can affect their populations.