True toads belong to the family Bufonidae, one of the most widespread and recognizable amphibian families. They are adapted for terrestrial life, with dry, warty skin and robust bodies (Anura: Bufonidae). Unlike many frogs, true toads lack teeth and have prominent parotoid glands behind their eyes that secrete toxins for defense.
- Family: Bufonidae (True Toads)
- Skin: Dry, warty, with poison glands
- Teeth: Absent
- Defense: Parotoid glands producing toxins
- Distribution: Nearly worldwide, excluding Australia and polar regions
Dry, warty skin; parotoid poison glands; and lack of teeth are typical of *Bufonidae* toads.
Notable Genera and Species
True toads include several important genera, with Bufo historically being the most prominent. Modern taxonomy has split Bufo into multiple genera, but the classic toads remain well-known:
- Bufo (sensu lato): Classic “true toads” – e.g., American toad (Anaxyrus americanus)
- Anaxyrus: North American toads (post-split from Bufo)
- Duttaphrynus: Asiatic toads – e.g., Common Asiatic toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus)
- Rhinella: South American toads – e.g., Cane toad (Rhinella marina), renowned for invasive prowess
Example Species
| Species | Genus | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| American toad | Anaxyrus | North America | Widespread, common backyard species |
| Cane toad | Rhinella | South America, invasive elsewhere | Notorious invasive species with potent toxins |
| Common European toad | Bufo | Europe | Classic textbook toad |
| Asiatic toad | Duttaphrynus | Asia | Adapted to diverse Asian habitats |
The invasive cane toad belongs to the genus *Rhinella*.
True toads (*Bufonidae*) are found in North America, Europe, Asia, and South America, but not in Australia or Antarctica.