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Great Plains toad Anaxyrus cognatus range: IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD size: 2–3 1/2 inches description: Medium gray, brown, or greenish toad with warty skin; distinctive large dark spots outlined in white or cream; and unspotted belly. Each dark spot contains numerous warts, 1 large and 1 small digging spur or spade on heels of hind feet. May have light line down middle of back. Hind legs are banded, front legs banded or spotted. Parotoid glands behind eyes touch cranial ridges. Cranial ridges between eyes come together and meet at snout to form raised knob. habitat: Prairies and nonnative grasslands; breeds in rivers, ponds, roadside ditches voice: Loud, continuous, pulsating trill with mechanical quality lasting 20 to 50 seconds natural history: This prairie toad is active at night and is a skilled burrower, spending its days underground. Feeds on insects such as beetles and ants. Breeds April to late June. Each female may lay up to 20,000 eggs. Tadpoles transform in 1 to 2 months. similar species: American, Fowler’s, and Woodhouse’s toads have cranial ridges between eyes that do not come together and meet at snout to form raised knob. American toad Anaxyrus americanus range: IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, SD, WI size: 2–4 1/4 inches description: Large gray, brown, or reddish brown toad with warty skin; many dark spots on back; and heavily mottled chest and belly. Usually 1 or 2 warts on each of largest dark spots on back, 1 large and 1 small digging spur or spade on heels of hind feet. Enlarged warts on lower part of leg. May have narrow light stripe down middle of back. Large, kidney-shaped parotoid glands behind eyes may be separated from or connected by a spur to distinct cranial ridges between eyes. habitat: Prairies, forests, marshes, farmland, urban areas; breeds in rivers , ponds, roadside ditches voice: High-pitched musical trill lasting up to 30 seconds natural history: When attacked, this common and widespread toad produces a substance from the large warts on its back that can be poisonous to small animals. It may also inflate itself with air, making it difficult to swallow, and it often releases urine when frightened. Feeds on insects and earthworms. Breeds April to early May. Tadpoles transform in 1 to 2 months. similar species: Fowler’s toad has 3 or more warts on each of largest spots on back, unspotted chest and belly, warts on upper and lower legs nearly equal in size, parotoid glands touch cranial ridges. Woodhouse’s toad has unspotted chest and belly, parotoid glands touch cranial ridges. Great Plains toad has cranial ridges between eyes that come together and meet at snout to form raised knob. ▼ ▼ ...

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