Field Guide to Maryland's Frogs and Toads (Order Anura)
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American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus) |  Photo of adult America Toad, courtesy of Scott A. Smith | | Former Name: Eastern American Toad |
Size:
2 - 3 1/2 inches |
Appearance:- A “warty” toad. Only one or two large warts in each of the largest dark spots on an otherwise brownish-red, gray or olive back.
- The wart count is the main way to differentiate between this and Fowler’s Toad, our most common Coastal Plain toad.
- The parotoid glands are either separated from the ridge behind the eye or connected by a short spur.
- The chest and forward part of the abdomen are usually darkly spotted, and warts are enlarged on the arms.
- May hybridize with Fowler’s Toad.
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Habitats:
- A habitat generalist, can be found anywhere from yards and fields to forests.
- Breeds in any shallow wet depression, even tire ruts.
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How to Find:- Listen for the call, a long musical trill “quaaaaaaa....” lasting from 6-30 seconds, on humid nights from March to July.
- Will be active on warm rainy nights, but are also easily found during daytime anywhere.
- A nighttime favorite is on the ground adjacent to buildings where they feed on the insects attracted to exterior lights.
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Distribution in Maryland:American toads can be found throughout Maryland in a variety of habitats.  | | For More Information: |
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