A medium-sized toad with prominent paratoid glands and distinctive vertical crests on the head.

Native status: Native to southeastern US

§ Quick facts

SizeBody length 5–9 cm
Weight15–60 g
LifespanWild 3–6 years
OrderAnura
FamilyBufonidae

§ Encyclopedia

The southern toad is a true toad native to the southeastern United States, from eastern Louisiana and southeastern Virginia south to Florida, where it is the largest toad found in that range. It often lives in areas with sandy soils. It is nocturnal and spends the day in a burrow. Its coloring is usually brown but can be red, gray, or black. It is approximately 8 cm (3 inches) long.

Source: Wikipedia — Southern toad Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Stocky brown to reddish-brown toad with bumpy skin; prominent parotoid glands behind eyes; distinctive cranial crests; pale belly with dark spots.

Similar species. American Toad (similar pattern; different range edge). Fowler's Toad (similar; cleaner-looking; different call). Gulf Coast Toad (different cranial crests).

Voice. High-pitched musical trill, 6–10 seconds.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Insects (ants, beetles, true bugs), spiders, small invertebrates.

Behavior. Common across southeastern US in pine forests, gardens, and suburban yards. Distinctive cranial crests that join behind the eyes form a distinctive ridge pattern. Toxic skin secretions (bufotoxins) from parotoid glands deter most predators; dogs that mouth toads often experience drooling, vomiting, and (rarely) more serious symptoms.

§ Range

Southeastern US Coastal Plain

§ Habitat

Sandy soils, pine flatwoods, agricultural areas

§ Threats

Habitat loss, pesticide drift, road mortality.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the southern toad is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Maintain southeast pine habitats. Skip pesticides.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • AmphibiaWeb
  • Florida FWC
  • USGS PWRC
  • IUCN Red List 2014