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Bufo alvarius
Habitat: The main part of its range is from sea-level to 1600 m (5300 ft). It can be found in a variety of desert and semi-arid habitats: brushy desert, semi-arid grasslands, and woodlands. It is semi-aquatic and is usually associated with large, somewhat permanent streams. It is occasionally found near small springs, temporary rain pools, human-made canals and irrigation ditches.
Diet: Bufo alvarius is carnivorous and is known to eat snails, beetles, spiders, grasshoppers, lizards, mice, and other smaller toad species. A long sticky tongue aids in catching prey
Physical Description: Dark olive green color and leathery skin. They are 110-187mm in length. A very large toad with cranial crests, elongate parotid glands, raised warts on hind legs
Behavior: Bufo alvarius is nocturnal and more aquatic than most toad species. It is a solitary species, until the mating season in the summer months when large groups of toads gather at temporary pools. If the toad is molested or bothered, it can secrete a poison which irritates the mucous membranes of most predators.
Reproduction: These toads appear when the summer showers start and breed in the temporary pools that form after the rains begin. Males croak incessantly, but have a relatively weak call, compared to other frogs and toads. They are an egg laying species and the larval period is believed to be 1 month. The tadpoles are a yellow/brown color.
Status: Unknown
Fun Facts:
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Colorado River Toads control crop pests such as snails |
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Largest native frog in the United States |
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