Click here to hear the call of this species (169 KB MP3 file)
Click here to hear the call of this species (169 KB MP3 file)
Family: Bufonidae
Common names: Gulf coast toad
1) Distinguishing features
Size (SVL) Males; 60-70mm, females; 80-90mm (similar to B. campbelli)
Dorsal colour highly variable - orangish, tan, reddish brown, brown, pale grey. Females usually darker than males. Some have pale dorsolateral band - contrasts with darker flanks. Venter is cream, some have few to many black spots, some have black blotch on chest. Iris is coppery red. Distinct cranial crests (canthal, preocular, supraocular, postocular, suprtympanic, parietal). Parotoid gland moderate in size, same shape and space as B. campbelli. Distinguishing features from B. campbelli; large tympanum (> half the diameter of the eye), preorbital and pretympanic crests relatively well developed. Relatively short tibia and feet (<43% SVL). Skin rough and warty, snout shorter and blunter both in dorsal and lateral view. Series of pale conical tubercles along inner tarsus.
2) Distribution
One of widest ranging amphibians. Sea level to 1,200m elevation. Inhabit savannas, agricultural and urban lands and undisturbed forest. Seems to be found more commonly in disturbed and less humid environs in comparison with B. campbelli.
3) Natural history
Breed throughout year - large choruses at ponds, lakes etc, and in any temporary waters (explosive breeding). Mostly nocturnal. Strictly terrestrial, blending in with dead leaves on forest floor, or hiding under rocks, logs and other debris when not active. Call is short trill, repeated frequently, large choruses can be quite deafening - somewhat akin to a pneumatic drill !