Animal Profiles
Amphibians

American Toad

Anaxyrus americanus

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The American toad is a stout amphibian of North America. Adults forage on land, while eggs and tadpoles require freshwater breeding sites.

Anaxyrus americanus (american toad)

Cephas · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
American toads occupy North American woodland, gardens and other vegetated areas with breeding pools nearby. Damp shelters offer protection during the day.
Habitat
Temperate forest, Wetlands, Towns and cities
Diet
Insectivore
Food
Adults eat insects, slugs, worms and other invertebrates; tadpoles graze on algae.

Classification

Common name
American Toad
Browse group
Amphibians
Scientific name or taxon
Anaxyrus americanus
Taxon rank
species
Order
Anura
Family
Bufonidae
Genus
Anaxyrus
Source classification
Amphibia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Its diet changes between tadpole and adult.
  • It absorbs water through its skin.
  • It digs backwards into sheltering soil.

Habitat and range

American toads occupy North American woodland, gardens and other vegetated areas with breeding pools nearby. Damp shelters offer protection during the day.

Appearance and adaptations

A squat body, short legs and warty skin distinguish this toad. Skin colour can vary with conditions.

Diet and behaviour

Adults eat insects, slugs, worms and other invertebrates; tadpoles graze on algae. Adults are most active in warm, humid weather and often forage at night. Breeding brings otherwise solitary animals together at freshwater pools.

Sources

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