Bufo fowleri
photo by Jeff Humphries
Fowler's Toad
Bufo fowleri
photo by Jeff Humphries
| Species Description: Fowler's
toad looks similar to the American toad, though it is slightly smaller
and has several subtle distinguishing features. It has 3 or more
warts within each dark spot on its back. There are no greatly enlarged
warts on the tibia and the parotoid gland touches the cranial crests behind
the eyes. The color is usually gray or greenish gray without reddish
or rusty colors. Toads are oftentimes encountered on roads, even
on dry nights. Fowler's toads can be identified on the road (by professional
toadwatchers) while driving at speeds in excess of 60 mph. This species
makes a series of quick, short hops to get off the road, while the American
toad only makes a few larger hops.
Habitat: Fowler's toads are usually found in association
with flood plains and river bottoms, as well as woodland borders.
They dig burrows into the sand in which they hide during the day.
They come out at night to forage on insects. Breeding Activity: This species does not begin to call until several weeks after the American toad. At lower elevations in West Virginia, they emerge and begin calling in mid April. The call is a long, loud, nasal "W-A-A-A-H-H-H". They can be mistaken for a herd of sheep calling in the night. Females deposit as many as 8,000 eggs in long, double-row strings. Range: This toad is common throughout West Virginia. Status: Not Listed. No evidence of declines. |
