Toads are a group of amphibians primarily within the family Bufonidae, known as "true toads." They are characterized by dry, warty skin, stout bodies, and parotoid glands that secrete toxins for defense. Unlike many frogs, toads generally have shorter legs and are more terrestrial.
- Belong mainly to the family Bufonidae (true toads).
- Possess dry, bumpy (warty) skin versus the smooth, moist skin of most frogs.
- Have parotoid glands behind the eyes that produce a mild toxin.
- Typically show a robust body form and shorter hind legs.
- Are more adapted to terrestrial life than most frogs.
- Notable genera include Bufo, Anaxyrus, Rhinella, and Duttaphrynus.
Toads belong to the family Bufonidae within the order Anura, class Amphibia.
Toads are distinguished by their dry, warty skin.
Common toad genera include Bufo and Anaxyrus.
Examples of True Toads: Bufonidae
True toads belong to the family *Bufonidae*.
True toads are members of the family Bufonidae, which includes species found worldwide except in Australia and polar regions. They typically have robust bodies, dry warty skin, and parotoid glands. Some well-known genera are Bufo, Anaxyrus, and Rhinella.
- Family: Bufonidae (true toads).
- Worldwide distribution except Australia and polar regions.
- Characteristic traits: robust body, warty skin, parotoid glands.
- Common genera: Bufo, Anaxyrus, Rhinella.
True toads have warty skin, parotoid glands, and secrete toxins.
American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus)
The American toad, Anaxyrus americanus, is a common species in North America known for its rusty spots and distinctive trilling call. It inhabits forests, gardens, and suburban areas, consuming a wide variety of insects and invertebrates.
- Scientific name: Anaxyrus americanus.
- Habitat: North American forests, gardens, suburbs.
- Identification: Dry skin with rusty wart spots.
- Diet: Insectivore (insects and invertebrates).
- Notable for: Distinctive trilling mating call.
The American toad's scientific name is *Anaxyrus americanus*.
The American toad is found in North America in habitats including forests and suburbs.
European Common Toad (Bufo bufo)
The European common toad, Bufo bufo, is widespread across Europe and is recognizable by its stocky body and orange-red eyes. It prefers woodlands, gardens, and parks and plays a critical role in controlling pest populations.
- Scientific name: Bufo bufo.
- Range: Most of Europe.
- Habitat: Woodlands, gardens, parks.
- Characteristics: Stocky body, orange-red eyes.
- Ecological role: Pest control.
The European common toad is *Bufo bufo*.
The European common toad is found throughout Europe.
Cane Toad (Rhinella marina)
The cane toad, Rhinella marina, is native to Central and South America but has been introduced elsewhere as a pest control agent. It is notorious for its large size and potent toxins, which can be lethal to pets and predators.
- Scientific name: Rhinella marina.
- Native: Central and South America.
- Introduced: Australia, Pacific islands.
- Size: One of the largest toads.
- Hazard: Highly toxic skin secretions.
The cane toad's scientific name is *Rhinella marina*.
The cane toad is native to South America and introduced in Australia.
Conclusion
Toads are fascinating amphibians distinguished by their warty skin, toxin-producing glands, and terrestrial lifestyles. True toads belong to the family Bufonidae, which includes well-known species like the American toad (Anaxyrus americanus), European common toad (Bufo bufo), and cane toad (Rhinella marina).
- Toads belong mainly to the family Bufonidae and have unique adaptations for land.
- Key genera: Bufo, Anaxyrus, Rhinella.
- Examples: American toad, European common toad, cane toad.