Eastern American Toad

American Toad

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American Toad

photo of American Toad
Anaxyrus americanus americanus (formerly Bufo americanus)
Bufonidae (true toads) in the order Anura (frogs)


Similar species: There are two subspecies of American toad in our state: The eastern American toad (Anaxyrus americanus americanus), described above, which generally lives in the northern half, and the dwarf American toad (A. americanus charlesmithi), which lives in the southern section. The latter is smaller (only about 2 inches, snout to vent) and more reddish brown, with fewer, smaller, or no dark spots on the back; belly is cream colored with a few dark gray spots on the breast.

Length (snout to vent): 2 to 3 inches. Females are generally larger than males.
Habitat and conservation: 
This toad prefers rocky, wooded areas and often lives along the edge of hardwood forests. They hide during the day under rocks where there is loose, moist dirt, or they burrow into a depression where dead leaves have accumulated. Like most toads, this species becomes active at dusk.
Eats earthworms and a wide variety of insects. They are well-known for consuming large numbers of insects, and in summer they often catch and eat insects that fall to the ground under outdoor lights.
Distribution in Missouri: 
Throughout the northern half of the state, but intergrades with and is replaced by the dwarf American toad subspecies in the southern half of the state.
Missouri’s most common toad. The scientific name used to be Bufo americanus, but researchers in 2006 showed convincingly that some of the species formerly grouped together in the genus Bufo were different enough to warrant being separated into different genera. That is why our toad is now named Anaxyrus americanus.
Life cycle: 
In our state, males begin calling on warm nights in late March and early April. Breeding occurs in small, temporary ponds in woodlands, in slow, shallow streams, or in water-filled ditches in late March, April, and early May. Eggs are laid in long, double strands. A female can lay 2,000–20,000 eggs, which hatch, in about a week, into tiny black tadpoles. These remain in water until early to mid-June, when they transform into tiny toadlets.
Human connections: 
Contrary to superstition, toads do not cause warts on humans. They are harmless. Despite their complexion and dour countenance, many people find them endearing. During summer nights, they help us by consuming insects and other small organisms that are pests or annoyances to us.
Ecosystem connections: 
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