A medium-sized toad with distinctive dark face markings. Adapted to dry prairie habitats.

Native status: Native to central US

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 5–11 cm
Weight15–80 g
LifespanWild 4–8 years
OrderAnura
FamilyBufonidae

§ Encyclopedia

The Great Plains toad is a relatively large species of true toad native to central North America.

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

§ Identification

Field marks. Stocky brown toad with bumpy skin; pale belly; large parotoid glands behind eyes.

Similar species. Texas Toad (similar range). American Toad (eastern range). Western Toad (western).

Voice. Harsh metallic trill.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Insects, spiders.

Behavior. Common toad of central US prairie regions. Toxic skin secretions deter most predators.

§ Range

Central US and Great Plains

§ Habitat

Prairies, agricultural fields, grasslands

§ Threats

Habitat loss, pesticide drift, road mortality.

§ Conservation status

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

§ What helps

Maintain prairie habitats. Skip pesticides.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • AmphibiaWeb
  • USGS PWRC
  • IUCN Red List 2014