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Toads are amphibians. Amphibians are animals that have mucous glands in their skin. (Mucous glands are body parts that dispense mucous like the slimy stuff in your nose.) Their skin has no feathers, scales or hairs. Some have glands that make poison. (Only toads that make very mild poisons are naturally found in the Unites States. Frogs and lizards are also amphibians. Amphibians lay their eggs in water where they develop into larvae called tadpoles. Amphibians have to return to water to lay their eggs because the eggs have no shell and therefore no protection against dryness. They are not like reptiles and birds which make eggs with shells, that protects the developing baby and allows them to lay their eggs on dry land. Tadpoles live in water and have gills for breathing in water. Just like butterflies and ladybugs, toads pass through several stages of development on their way to becoming adults. This process is called metamorphosis. The California toad is not just interesting looking - warty, blotchy skin that can be greenish, brown, gray or tan, eyes with horizontal pupils - but interesting to watch as well. Instead of hopping, California toads often will creep through the underbrush by walking in a style reminiscient of more typical four-legged creatures. In a quiet forest at night, on beds of leaf litter, the amplified footfalls of creeping California toads can sound just like people sneaking up on you.
What is the Difference Between Frogs and Toads? Frogs and toads look pretty much alike but frogs usually have a smooth, moist skin and spend most of their lives in or near water. They have longer hind legs than toads and usually move by leaping…. like in "leap frog." Toads usually have a dry, bumpy, warty-looking skin. They spend most of their time living on land. Their hind legs are shorter than frogs and they crawl rather than jump. It is not true that touching a toad can give you a wart. (Warts are caused by viruses, not toads.) But you should always handle them with great care to avoid injuring them. And it is ALWAYS a great idea to wash your hands. There are some mild poisons in the skin of some toads. Toads are one of the most helpful creatures to live to your garden. They eat three times their weight in garden pests and insects. Toads love a feast of ants, bugs, beetles, grasshoppers, centipedes, and slugs.
A moist, shady area is a great spot to make a toad abode. Prop it up to allow the toad to crawl underneath. Add some mulch around it for moisture and food. After you have placed the toad abode in your yard, with a little extra care, you can transform your abode into a castle fit for a king. The first step is adding leaf litter to the inside of the abode. This will give the toad something to hide under when temperatures become too hot during the day. Next, take a shallow saucer (at least 6 inches across and 2 inches deep) with gently sloping sides, push it firmly into the dirt until the sides of the saucer are covered, and fill it with water. Now your toad abode has its very own wading pool! This will be a fine place for your abode’s future resident to soak. Just be sure to keep the bowl clean, and filled with water during the spring, summer, and fall. |
Avoid toxic chemicals that are occasionally sprayed on lawns. Toads, like all other amphibians, have very porous skin, and such chemicals can cause harm. If you are fortunate, and a local “insect eater” decides to make your abode its own, you will be able to enjoy your outdoor time with fewer insects, and relax with the amusing sounds of your amphibian friend!
