In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

Fowler’s toad Anaxyrus fowleri range: IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MO, OH size: 2–3 inches description: Medium gray, brown, or tan toad with warty skin; large dark spots on back arranged in pairs on either side of light stripe down middle of back; and virtually unspotted chest and belly; spots if present are limited to small one on chest. Usually 3 or more warts on each dark spot on back, 2 large digging spurs or spades on heels of hind feet. Warts on upper and lower legs nearly equal in size. Parotoid glands behind eyes touch cranial ridges between eyes. habitat: Open woodlands, fields, areas next to marshes with sandy soils; breeds in rivers, ponds, roadside ditches voice: Buzzy, nasal trill lasting 1 to 5 seconds, similar to a crying baby. Very similar to Woodhouse’s toad but higher in pitch. natural history: Formerly considered a subspecies of Woodhouse’s toad, adult Fowler’s toads are active day and night. During dry periods and winter, they burrow underground. Feed on insects, spiders, and earthworms. Breed April to late June. Tadpoles transform in 1 to 2 months. similar species: American toad has 1 or 2 warts on each of largest spots on back, heavily spotted chest and belly, warts on upper legs smaller than warts on lower legs, parotoid glands separated from cranial ridges or connected by spur. Woodhouse’s toad is very similar in appearance but has smaller, irregular dark spots on back that contain 1 to several warts, slightly less well developed cranial ridges. Great Plains toad has cranial ridges between eyes that come together and meet at snout to form raised knob. ▼ Woodhouse’s toad Anaxyrus woodhousii woodhousii range: IA, KS, MO, NE, ND, SD size: 2 1/2–4 inches description: Medium gray, brown, or tan toad with warty skin; light stripe down middle of back; irregular dark spots on back; and virtually unspotted chest and belly; spots if present are limited to small one on chest. Usually 1 to several warts on each dark spot on back, 2 large digging spurs or spades on heels of hind feet. Warts on upper and lower legs nearly equal in size. Parotoid glands behind eyes touch cranial ridges between eyes. habitat: Grasslands, marshes, swales, river bottoms with sandy soils; breeds in rivers, ponds, roadside ditches voice: Short, nasal trill lasting 1 to 3 seconds, similar to a crying baby. Very similar to Fowler’s toad but lower in pitch. natural history: Active day and night, this toad may eat as much as 67% of its weight in a single day. During dry periods and winter, it burrows underground . Feeds on spiders and a variety of insects. Breeds April to late June. Tadpoles transform in 1 to 2 months. similar species: American toad has 1 or 2 warts on each of largest spots on back, heavily spotted chest and belly, warts on upper legs smaller than warts on lower legs, parotoid glands separated from cranial ridges or connected by spur. Fowler’s toad is very similar in appearance but has larger dark spots on back arranged in pairs on either side of light stripe down middle of back, 3 or more warts on each dark spot on back. Great Plains toad has cranial ridges between eyes that come together and meet at snout to form raised knob. ▼ ...

Share