Rana verrucosa

Rana verrucosa, commonly known as the green toad or the warty toad, is a species of toad found in parts of Europe and Asia.

DESCRIPTION

• Green toads are relatively small to medium-sized. Adults can reach lengths of 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches), with females usually being larger than males.

• One of the most distinctive features of the green toad is its rough, warty skin. The skin is covered in small warts or tubercles, which give the toad a textured appearance.

• The background color of Rana verrucosa can vary, ranging from green to brown, gray, or even olive. The coloration often serves as camouflage, helping the toad blend into its natural surroundings. Some individuals may have darker markings or patterns on their back, while others may appear relatively plain.

• Behind the eyes, green toads have prominent parotoid glands. These glands can secrete toxic substances when the toad feels threatened, serving as a defense mechanism against predators.

• The eyes of green toads have horizontal, elliptical pupils, which is a characteristic feature of many toad species.

• They have relatively short legs with webbed toes. The webbing between their digits is not as extensive as that of some other amphibians, like frogs, as green toads are primarily terrestrial.

• Green toads have a relatively squat and robust body shape, well-suited for their terrestrial lifestyle.

• In some cases, females may be larger and more robust than males. During the breeding season, males may develop darker coloration or markings as part of their courtship behavior.

REPRODUCTION

• The breeding season for Rana verrucosa typically occurs in the spring and early summer months, typically from April to June, depending on the local climate and environmental conditions.

• Male green toads initiate the breeding process by gathering around suitable breeding sites, which are typically shallow bodies of freshwater such as ponds, pools, marshes, or slow-moving streams.

• To attract females, males emit a series of repetitive calls, often described as a soft, melodious trill or croak. These vocalizations serve to advertise their presence and readiness to mate.

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

• Female green toads lay eggs in the water, often attaching them to submerged vegetation or other structures within the breeding site.

• The eggs are typically laid in long strings or gelatinous masses and can number from a few hundred to several thousand, depending on the size and age of the female.

• The development of green toad eggs depends on water temperature and environmental conditions. Warmer water temperatures generally lead to faster development.

• Eggs hatch into aquatic tadpoles within a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on temperature.

• Tadpoles are fully aquatic, with gills for breathing underwater. They primarily feed on algae, detritus, and small aquatic invertebrates.

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

• Eventually, they undergo a transition to become juvenile toads, which are capable of surviving on land.

• Once metamorphosis is complete, juvenile green toads leave the water and become terrestrial. They have fully developed lungs for breathing air.

• Juvenile toads continue to grow and mature on land, feeding on a diet of small invertebrates, insects, and spiders.

HABITAT

Green toads are adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, meadows, marshes, and agricultural areas. They are often associated with areas that have suitable breeding sites.