If you’ve ever been told not to pick up a toad because you’ll get warts, don’t worry – it’s just a myth! In this article, you will learn about the four types of toads found in North Dakota. From the American Toad with its bumpy skin and distinct colorings, to the Great Plains Toad with its symmetrical dark splotches, these toads are fascinating creatures with unique characteristics. The Woodhouse’s Toad, with its round and stout shape, and the Plains Spadefoot with its glossy black spade, round out the list of toads found in this region. So, if you’ve ever wondered about these fascinating amphibians, keep reading to discover more about the toads of North Dakota!
American Toad
Identifying Characteristics
The American Toad, scientifically known as Anaxyrus americanus, is a small to medium-sized toad typically measuring between 2-3 ½ inches in length. They can have a range of colors, including brown, gray, olive, or brick red. One identifying characteristic of the American Toad is its numerous warts that cover its back and legs. These warts can be various colors, such as yellow, buff, or other light shades, with dark spots.
Habitat and Distribution
The American Toad is primarily found on the eastern edge of North Dakota. It is one of the most common and widely-known species of toad. American Toads can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, prairies, and suburban backyards. They are adaptable and can thrive in both natural and human-altered environments.
Behavior and Diet
American Toads are carnivorous and mainly eat insects, worms, spiders, and slugs. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume any small prey they can catch. These toads have a recognizable call, which is a musical trilling noise that can last for up to 30 seconds. They like to breed in shallow water, and their tadpoles have a unique defense mechanism. Their skin secretes a toxic chemical that can kill fish, making them less vulnerable to predation. Adult American Toads are also toxic to other animals, including dogs, so caution should be exercised if handling them.
Great Plains Toad
Identifying Characteristics
The Great Plains Toad, scientifically known as Anaxyrus cognatus, is slightly larger than the American Toad, with adult lengths ranging from 2-4 ½ inches. They have a pale white to tan or olive coloration, with large dark-colored pairs of blotches down their back. Their belly is lighter tan or white. Another identifying feature of the Great Plains Toad is the crest on their head, which forms a “V” shape from the snout and moves outward on the head toward the back.
Habitat and Distribution
Great Plains Toads are found in North Dakota and can be found in temporary shallow pools, quiet streams, marshes, or irrigation ditches. They are most commonly found in grasslands but can also be found in desert brush and woodland areas.
Behavior and Diet
Great Plains Toads have a unique behavior compared to other toads. They spend most of the year in underground burrows made by other animals, only emerging for a few weeks to feed and reproduce. Their call is loud and can last more than 50 seconds, similar to a jackhammer. When large groups of Great Plains Toads are calling, the sound can be near-deafening. Like other toads, they are carnivorous and feed on insects and other small invertebrates.
Woodhouse’s Toad
Identifying Characteristics
Woodhouse’s Toad, scientifically known as Anaxyrus woodhousii, is similar in size to the American Toad, with adult lengths ranging from 2 ½-4 inches. They have a range of colors, including gray, yellowish, or olive green. Their belly is light tan or buff, with very few dark spots located on the chest. One defining characteristic of Woodhouse’s Toad is its round and stout shape, with short legs that may appear disproportional to its body size.
Habitat and Distribution
Woodhouse’s Toads are adaptable to many environments in North Dakota. They can be found in grasslands, deserts, floodplains, and even developed areas. In suburban areas, they have been observed waiting under street lamps to catch insects attracted to the light.
Behavior and Diet
Woodhouse’s Toads have a distinctive short call that resembles a distressed sheep’s bleat. They are also known to eat insects and other small invertebrates. The Canadian Toad is a close relative of Woodhouse’s Toad and is generally smaller in size with brownish coloring. It can be found in or near water and hibernates underwater during the cold winters of its habitat.
Plains Spadefoot
Identifying Characteristics
The Plains Spadefoot, scientifically known as Spea bombifrons, is the smallest of the four toads found in North Dakota. It typically measures between 1 ¼-2 ½ inches in length. The coloration of Plains Spadefoots ranges from gray-brown to greenish, with orange spots. They have a distinctively rounded snout that protrudes like a pug dog. Their namesake feature is the black, wedge-shaped spade on the back feet, which they use for burrowing.
Habitat and Distribution
Plains Spadefoots inhabit plains, hills, and river bottoms in North Dakota. They prefer loose sandy or gravelly soil, which makes burrowing easier for them.
Behavior and Diet
Plains Spadefoots have adapted to survive extreme temperature changes in North Dakota. They can change their digestive system to tolerate a diet of vertebrates, insects, or plant matter. Their call is short and sharp, similar to the quack of a duck. These toads are skilled burrowers and use their specialized back feet to dig into the soil, sand, or loose gravel.
Differences Between Toads and Spadefoots
Pupil Shape
A key difference between toads and Spadefoots is the shape of their pupils. Toads have horizontal pupils, while Spadefoots have vertical pupils, similar to those of a snake.
Skin Texture
Toads have bumpy skin with numerous warts, while Spadefoots have a much smoother skin with few or no warts.
Feet Adaptations
Toads have regular back feet, while Spadefoots have specialized back feet with bony, sharp spades. These spades allow Spadefoots to dig into the soil, sand, or loose gravel more efficiently.
American Toad Rangemap
The American Toad’s range extends throughout the eastern edge of North Dakota. It can be found in forests, prairies, and suburban areas.
Great Plains Toad Rangemap
Great Plains Toads can be found in North Dakota, primarily in grasslands. They also inhabit desert brush and woodland areas.
Woodhouse’s Toad Rangemap
Woodhouse’s Toads are adaptable and can be found throughout North Dakota. They inhabit various environments, including grasslands, deserts, floodplains, and developed areas.
Plains Spadefoot Rangemap
Plains Spadefoots can be found in plains, hills, and river bottoms in North Dakota. They prefer loose sandy or gravelly soil for burrowing.
Additional Resources
Field Guide Recommendation
For additional help with identifying toads, the Peterson Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians is recommended.
Reader Comments
Have you seen any of these toads in North Dakota? Share your experiences and observations in the comments below!
