common toad

The common toad, aka European toad or simply toad, can be found throughout Europe, sans northern Scotland, Iceland, and on the Mediterranean islands. They prefer swamps, marshes, grasslands, forests, and urban areas; as long as they are close to a water source. Due to their stable populations, these toads are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, they do face the threats of habitat destruction; pollution of water bodies, plus run off from agricultural facilities; and invasive species (and with them diseases, like the Chytrid fungus ).

First the Stats… Scientific name: Bufo bufo Weight: Up to 2.8 ounces Length: Up to 7 inches Lifespan: Up to 12 years

Now on to the Facts! 1.) These toads have descended from a common ancestral line of toads and form a species complex (a group of closely related organisms that are so close in appearance and other features that the borders between them are typically not clear).

2.) Like many other toads, these critters are nocturnal (active at night).

3.) Like all amphibians, they drink by absorbing water through their permeable skin.

4.) Subsequently, like all amphibians, they can also partially respirate (breathe) through their skin as well.

5.) While typically solitary, they will congregate into large numbers during the breeding season.

But wait, there’s more on the common toad! 6.) These toads don’t have teeth, but rather what is called mandibular ridges that are used to hold onto captured prey.

7.) They don’t chew their food, but instead will force it down their throat with their forelimbs and swallow, with assistance, with their eyes. That’s right, they swallow food with their eyes.

Did you know…? These toads can walk/jump at speeds of up to 5 mph.

8.) Common toads brumate ( hibernation for reptiles and amphibians) from October – March.

9.) The common toad, like other toads produces a mild toxin from their parotid glands, when threatened. They also will urinate if captured.

10.) Hedgehogs and grass snakes are immune to the toad’s toxins.

But wait, there’s still more on the common toad! 11.) During mating season, between March – June, males will combat each other for breeding rights.

12.) Females lay several thousand eggs in a gelatinous mass, near or in water.

Did you know…? A parasitic fly, called Lucilia bufonivora, is known to attack adult common toads. It lays its eggs on the toad’s skin and when these eggs hatch, the larvae crawl into the toad’s nostrils and eat its flesh internally. This leads to a slow and painful death.

13.) Metamorphosis from egg to adult toad lasts up to 12 weeks.

14.) In 2007, during a survey of Loch Ness, a common toad was found moving along the bottom of the water body at a whopping 324 feet deep!

15.) Common toads prey on worms , ants , spiders, mealworms, crickets , slugs , and occasionally smaller rodents and even snakes.

16.) They are preyed on by minks , hedgehogs , rats , snakes, herons , crows , birds of prey , and domestic cats .

Now a Short Common Toad Video!

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This is a state of metabolic depression and inactivity in endothermic (warm blooded) creatures. It is displayed as a reduced heartbeat (by up to 95%), low metabolic rate, slow breathing, and low body temperature. Critters that hibernate typically prepare for it by building up an abundance of body fat during late summer and autumn that helps provide them with energy throughout the winter months. There are 2 types of hibernation: facultative & obligate hibernation. Facultatives hibernate when it’s too cold and food supply has been reduced. Obligates are able to sleep despite access to food and comfortable temperatures. A facultative hibernator would be the black-tailed prairie dog . A few obligate hibernators are: ground squirrels , mouse lemurs , and butterflies .'); toolTips('.classtoolTips18','

Organisms that are nocturnal are active at night. Animals that fit into this category are typically prey animals that rely on the cover of darkness as a defense. Granted, there are no shortage of predators at night. Some organisms adopt a nocturnal lifestyle due to climate issues. Many desert dwelling animals are nocturnal as it is simply cooler outside at night. Aardvarks , badgers , bandicoots , and aye-ayes are just some examples of nocturnal creatures.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips19','

Reptiles undergo this type of dormancy during the late phases of autumn. They typically only wake up to consume water and then go back to sleep. Reptiles eat a great deal of food right before brumation since they can go for months without eating anything. This dormancy can last for about 8+ months depending on the age, health, and size of the reptile in question. This type of dormancy is typically begun by a decrease in daylight and with the onset of cold weather. Reptiles usually don’t brumate during the first year of their lives; rather they simply slow their movements and eat less.');

common toad

The Beloved Common Toad