The American toad (Bufo americanus) is another of the early breeding Amphibians in northern Virginia. With temperatures now near normal highs for this time of year, after so much cold, they are out and breeding. The wood frogs and spring peepers are now mostly done, and it is the time of the toads.
There are two common toads around here, the American and Fowler's toad (Bufo fowleri). The American toad breeds first. But just to say a bit about how to tell them apart. I find two things most telling (based on research). First, each toad has black spots on its back, and while the American toad has one (sometimes two) warts inside the black spot, Fowler's typically has 3-6 warts inside the black spot. The second bit is that the crest above the eye does not join with the big lump just behind it (the parietal gland) in American toads, while it does with Fowler's toad.
So, with that babble in mind, here are some pics of American toads, in action.
There are two common toads around here, the American and Fowler's toad (Bufo fowleri). The American toad breeds first. But just to say a bit about how to tell them apart. I find two things most telling (based on research). First, each toad has black spots on its back, and while the American toad has one (sometimes two) warts inside the black spot, Fowler's typically has 3-6 warts inside the black spot. The second bit is that the crest above the eye does not join with the big lump just behind it (the parietal gland) in American toads, while it does with Fowler's toad.
So, with that babble in mind, here are some pics of American toads, in action.
Trail of eggs, Bufo americanus.
Two Bufo on the surface
Two more toads
Here is a shot of the toads, with the long egg case stream they are laying.
Go figure out the foot-in-space.
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