Southern Toad (Anaxyrus terrestris)
Order Anura, Family Bufonidae (True Toads), Genus Anaxyrus. This family is characterized by a lack of teeth and the presence of parotoid glands behind the eyes.
Species
Southern Toad (Anaxyrus terrestris)
Family
Order Anura, Family Bufonidae (True Toads), Genus Anaxyrus. This family is characterized by a lack of teeth and the presence of parotoid glands behind the eyes.
Size
Adults typically range from 42 to 92 mm (1.7 to 3.6 inches) SVL. Females are generally larger than males. Juveniles are much smaller, often the size of a thumbnail when they first leave the water.
Conservation
Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. They have a stable population and are highly adaptable to human-altered environments, though they face threats from habitat fragmentation and pesticides.
Description
The Southern Toad is a quintessential garden resident of the American South. Often found under porch lights at night, it is a bumpy, camouflaged amphibian that plays a vital role in natural pest control.
Key Features
Prominent cranial crests with knobs at the back, warty skin with 1-2 warts per dark spot, and a robust body with sandy-brown coloration.
Physical Description
A medium-sized, squat, and robust toad with a rounded snout. It features prominent cranial crests on the head that end in high, bulbous knobs behind the eyes. The hind limbs are short for hopping rather than jumping.
Skin Texture & Coloration
Highly granular and warty skin. Dorsal coloration ranges from brown, grey, or reddish with dark spots. Each dark spot typically contains one to two warts. A light line often runs down the center of the back.
Distinguishing Features
The diagnostic feature is the pair of prominent cranial crests on the head which terminate in enlarged, swollen knobs or 'spurs' at the rear. This separates it from similar toads where crests are less pronounced.
Habitat
Prefer areas with sandy soils, including pine flatwoods, hammocks, and suburban gardens. They are predominantly terrestrial and fossorial, spending much of their time buried in soil or leaf litter.
Geographic Range
Native to the southeastern United States, ranging from southeastern Virginia south through Florida and west to eastern Louisiana and the Mississippi River.
Behavior
Primarily nocturnal hunters. They are secretive during the day, burrowing into the ground to remain cool and moist. When threatened, they may inflate their bodies to appear too large for a predator to swallow.
Diet & Feeding
Generalist carnivores that consume a wide variety of invertebrates, including beetles, ants, spiders, and earthworms. They use a 'sit-and-wait' ambush strategy, flicking out a sticky tongue to capture prey.
Reproduction
Breeding occurs from late winter through summer, usually triggered by heavy rains. Males call from the edges of shallow ponds or ditches. Eggs are laid in long gelatinous strings attached to submerged vegetation.
Vocalizations
A high-pitched, musical trill that lasts about 5 to 10 seconds. The call is more melodic than the American Toad and possesses a higher frequency compared to the Fowler's Toad.
Life Cycle
Eggs hatch into small black tadpoles within a few days. The larval stage lasts 30-55 days depending on water temperature. Following metamorphosis, tiny toadlets emerge to begin a terrestrial life.
Conservation Status
Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. They have a stable population and are highly adaptable to human-altered environments, though they face threats from habitat fragmentation and pesticides.
Toxicity & Defense
Possesses parotoid glands that secrete a milky toxin (bufotoxin). While not lethal to humans upon skin contact, it is highly irritating to mucous membranes and can be fatal to small pets if the toad is bitten or swallowed.
Ecological Role
Acts as both a significant predator of ground-dwelling invertebrates and a prey source for larger animals like hognose snakes, which have specialized immunity to their toxins.
Similar Species
American Toad (A. americanus) lacks the high knobs on crests; Fowler's Toad (A. fowleri) has 3+ warts per spot and smaller crests; Oak Toad (A. quercicus) is much smaller with a bright orange mid-dorsal stripe.
Observation Tips
The best time to see them is after dark on warm, humid nights, especially after rain. Check patios, gardens, and under outdoor lights where they wait for insects to fall.
Handling & Safety
Handle minimally. If necessary, use wet hands or gloves. Always wash hands thoroughly after touching, as their secretions can cause eye irritation. Keep away from dogs and cats.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round in warmer parts of their range (Florida), but may undergo periods of dormancy (brumation) in underground burrows during colder winter months in the northern parts of their range.
Cultural Significance
Like many toads, they are the subject of many folk tales, including the false myth that touching them causes warts. In the South, they are respected as 'gardeners' friends' for eating agricultural pests.
Interesting Facts
Southern Toads are often seen under streetlights catching insects attracted to the glow. They are surprisingly long-lived, with some individuals reaching over 10 years of age in captivity.