Class: Amphibia

Order: Anura

Scientific Name: Bufo guttatus

Range: Northern South America

Habitat: Lowland tropical and sub-tropical forests

Diet: Wild: Small amphibians, reptiles and mammals, large insects
Zoo: Crickets, earthworms and mice

Life Span: 10-12 years in captivity

Description: Also known as the Spotted Toad. Coloration is brown. Unlike other toads, they are smooth-skinned. May grow to seven inches in length. The pupils are horizontal. The parotoid glands (glands resembling warts, occurring behind the eyes or on the neck and shoulders) are usually conspicuous, and may be large. The tympanum is clearly visible. The limbs are short and strong, the fingers free, and the toes more or less webbed. Males are smaller then females.

Behavior: They may be crepuscular or nocturnal, and are ground-dwellers. They generally hide during the day in deep leaf-litter, under rocks, logs or in burrows in tropical rainforests. Newly metamorphosed juveniles are usually active during the day. They are not strong jumpers.

Reproduction: Reproduction is at the start of the rainy season in the tropics. It breeds in temporary and permanent waterbodies, some dug by the adults; embryonic and larval development occur in water.

Did You Know?

• Also known as the Spotted Toad - one can identify individuals by the specific spot pattern on each frog's belly.
• Logging, forest conversion and clear cutting are all threats to this species. This frog is not tolerant of habitat alteration. However, it has a vast range and the threats to the species are generally localized.
• It is sometimes found in the international pet trade, but at levels that do not currently constitute a major threat.

Where in the Zoo? I can be found in the RainForest Amphibian Exhibits at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.