Toads are a type of amphibian, often mistaken for frogs due to their similar appearances. While both belong to the order Anura, which means “tailless ones,” they possess distinct physical characteristics, behaviors, and habitat preferences that allow for their identification. This guide provides clear methods for accurately identifying a toad.
Distinct Physical Features
Toads typically have a broad, squat, and stout body, appearing somewhat flattened. Their skin is a defining characteristic, being dry, rough, and covered in numerous bumps, often referred to as “warts.” The skin’s texture helps toads conserve moisture, enabling them to live in drier environments than many frogs.
A notable feature is the presence of prominent parotoid glands, located directly behind their eyes. These kidney-shaped or oval glands secrete a milky, toxic substance known as bufotoxin, which serves as a defense mechanism against predators. Toads generally have short, stocky hind legs, which are better suited for walking or making short, shuffling hops rather than long leaps.
Telling Toads Apart from Frogs
One of the most apparent distinctions between toads and frogs lies in their skin texture. Toads possess dry, rough, and warty skin, while frogs typically have moist, smooth, or slimy skin that is often shiny. This difference in skin is linked to their preferred environments. Toads exhibit a broader, stout body shape, whereas frogs generally display a more streamlined and athletic build.
Leg length also provides a clear differentiator; toads have shorter, stubbier legs, which facilitate walking or short hops. In contrast, frogs are characterized by long, powerful hind legs that are adapted for leaping significant distances and efficient swimming. Regarding habitat, toads generally prefer drier, more terrestrial environments such as gardens, woodlands, and fields, often near water but not exclusively in it. Frogs, however, are typically found in or very close to water bodies like ponds, lakes, and streams, as their moist skin requires constant hydration.
Their modes of locomotion also differ noticeably; toads tend to walk or execute short, clumsy hops, while frogs are known for their powerful, long-distance leaps and swimming capabilities. Furthermore, the presence of distinct parotoid glands behind the eyes is a reliable identifier for toads. Most frog species do not possess these specialized defensive glands.
Habitat and Behavioral Indicators
Toads thrive in a variety of terrestrial settings, including woodlands, grasslands, and suburban gardens, often seeking shelter under logs, rocks, or by burrowing into loose soil. They favor areas with damp ground cover, which helps them conserve body moisture. Many toad species are primarily nocturnal, becoming active from dusk through the night to forage for food. During daylight hours, they commonly seek refuge in cool, damp places to avoid dehydration.
Toads are insectivores, with their diet consisting of a wide range of invertebrates such as beetles, worms, slugs, and crickets. They typically use their long, sticky tongues to capture prey. While not the primary method for visual identification, male toads produce distinct calls, often described as trills or chirps, especially during breeding season to attract mates. These vocalizations can vary by species and provide an auditory clue to their presence.