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Eastern narrowmouth toad Gastrophryne carolinensis range: IL, KS, MO size: 7/8–1 1/4 inches description: Small, plump olive, brown, reddish brown, or nearly black amphibian with spotted or mottled belly. May have narrow stripe down back. Skin moist, smooth with no warts or ridges. Head small compared to rest of body, very pointed snout. Fold of skin across back of head behind eyes. Legs short, toes lack webbing and toe pads. No external tympanum. habitat: Open, moist areas with abundant cover; breeds in ponds, lakes, marshes, roadside ditches voice: Buzzy, nasal “waaaaaa” similar to cry of a lamb. May sound like Fowler’s toad but shorter and more buzzy. natural history: Although called a toad, this is actually a frog. When not breeding, this little frog is found in loose soil beneath rocks, rotting logs, bark, or other objects. One of the few amphibians to feed regularly on ants, it uses the fold of skin on the back of its head to keep them away from its eyes. Breeds May to June. Tadpoles transform in 1 to 2 months. similar species: Great Plains narrowmouth toad has lighter overall coloration, unspotted belly, and lacks prominent marks on back. Great Plains narrowmouth toad Gastrophryne olivacea range: KS, MO, NE size: 7/8–1 1/2 inches description: Small, plump gray, tan, or olive-tan amphibian with white unspotted belly; no prominent marks on back. Small black spots may be scattered over back and legs. Skin moist, smooth with no warts or ridges. Head small compared to rest of body, very pointed snout. Fold of skin across back of head behind eyes. Legs short, toes lack webbing and toe pads. No external tympanum. habitat: Grasslands , rocky and wooded hills, edges of marshes; breeds in roadside ditches, temporary ponds, flooded fields voice: High-pitched short peep followed by nasal buzz lasting 1 to 4 seconds, “peep-waaaaaa,” similar to the buzz of an angry bee natural history: Although called a toad, this is actually a frog. When not breeding, this little frog is found in loose soil beneath rocks or in the burrow of other animals, including tarantulas. One of the few amphibians to feed primarily on ants, it uses the fold of skin on the back of its head to keep ants away from its eyes, and its skin produces a toxic substance that protects it from ant bites. Breeds May to early July. Tadpoles transform in 1 to 2 months. similar species: Eastern narrowmouth toad has darker overall coloration , spotted or mottled belly, and prominent markings on back. ▼ ▼ ...

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