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American Toad

American toad is a species of toad found in Canada and the eastern United States. The species is generally nocturnal spending daytime under cover. The toad produces toxins in glands located behind the eyes to deter predators. There are three subspecies of this species.



    Kingdom Animalia
    Phylum Chordata
    Class Amphibia
    Order Anura
    Family Bufonidae
    Genus Anaxyrus
    Scientific Name Anaxyrus americanus


    Size 5 to 10.2 cm (1.97 to 4.02 in)
    Color Color ranges from tan, brown, reddish-brown, or olive green with dark round spots on the back; light white to yellow belly with black or gray spots
    Distribution Eastern United States (Minnesota, New England, northeastern Louisiana, western Mississippi, northern Alabama, Georgia, western North and South Carolina) and Canada
    Habitat Forests, mountain areas, parks, yards, farmland, prairies
    Diet Insects, spiders, slugs, earthworms, other invertebrates
    Hibernation Fact Hibernate during winter months
    Predators Snakes, birds, raccoons
    Breeding Season March to July
    Mode of Reproduction Oviparous (egg laying)
    Clutch Size 4000 to 8000 eggs
    Incubation Period 2 to 14 days
    Metamorphosis Period 50 to 65 days
    Reproductive Age 2 to 3 years of age
    Average Lifespan In wild : Around 10 years
    In captivity: Up to 36 years
    IUCN Conservation Status Least Concern

    American Toad Pictures Gallery

    Published on May 16th 2017 by under Toads. Article was last reviewed on 30th September 2019.

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