Creature Feature: Toads!
American Toad vs. Fowler’s Toad– April showers bring May flowers but they also bring toads! American Toads (Anaxyrus americanus) and Fowler’s Toads (Anaxyrus fowleri) are very common in our area this time of year; however, it can be tricky to tell them apart. Have no fear, WaterWays has you covered. You can impress all of your friends with your herpetology prowess!
Both species begin breeding in April but American Toads usually begin a bit earlier than Fowler’s Toads. Egg clutch sizes range from 4,000-8,00 for American Toads and 7,000-10,000 for Fowler’s Toads and both species’ eggs hatch in approximately one week.
But which one is which? They are often confused for each other because of their coloring. American Toads are often brown but they can range from red, olive, to gray. Fowler’s Toads range from brown, gray, to brick red. However, Fowler’s Toads do not have spots on their chests. The best way is to use the below diagram and look at the number of warts and if any space occurs between the cranial crests and the parotoid glands.
American Toad Quick Facts:
Size: 2.5-3 inches
LifeSpan: typically 1 year in the wild but can be up to 10 years
Habitat: all over as long as cover and water are readily available
Diet: tadpoles are herbivores with adults being carnivores
Adults eat lots of insects, slugs, snails and earthworms
Fun Fact: they often go into torpor, a type of dormancy, during the cold months
Fun Facts for Both Species:
They secrete a milky toxin when stressed. Be sure to wash your hands and do not let that toxin touch your eyes or mouth.
Hognose snakes are specialized predators of toads because they are immune to the toxin.
Conservation Status for both species: Abundant
Stewardship Action Needed: fresh water, native plants to attract insects, and cover such as logs or toad abodes
Education Activity:
Make a toad abode! Be sure to use non-toxic glue and/or paint if you choose to decorate it. Note: Toads are great pest control so be sure to welcome them to your yard!
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