Ohio Frog and Toad Calling Survey

Eastern American Toad

(Bufo americanus americanus)

Distribution of the Eastern American Toad in Ohio.

An adult Eastern American Toad.

Species Description: Snout-vent length averages 5 to 9 cm (2 to 3 1/2 inches).  Skin is dry and warty.  Color of the back varies from reddish to gray or tan with dark spots having one or two warts on them.  Belly and chest are cream colored with some dark mottling on the chest.  Warts on the hind limbs are large and usually pointed.  Bony crests on the head are usually separated from the parotoid glands but they can be connected to them by a short spur. 
Habitat:  Common in many habitats including woodlands, fields, agricultural, and urban areas. 
Reproductive Activity: Advertisement call is a musical trill lasting from ten to thirty seconds.  Chorusing occurs from March through May, and occasionally into early June.  Eggs are laid in long gelatinous strings and they hatch in two to ten days.  Metamorphosis occurs six to eight weeks later.
Ohio Distribution: Widespread in Ohio.  This species has been collected in every county.
Status: Eastern American Toads are probably the most widespread and abundant anuran species in Ohio.

Last modified:
Saturday, March 26, 2005

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