If you’ve ever wondered whether that little critter hopping across your path while herping is a frog or a toad, you’re not alone! While they might seem similar at first glance, frogs and toads have distinct differences in appearance, habitat, and behavior that make them unique. Let’s dive into what sets them apart!
Appearance
One of the easiest ways to tell a frog from a toad is by their skin. Frogs have smooth, wet skin that looks shiny and feels slimy. Their skin is thin, which helps them soak up water and air to stay hydrated.
Toads are the opposite, their skin is dry, bumpy, and rough. Those bumps on a toad aren’t warts like people think. They’re actually special glands that release a mild poison to keep predators away. Don’t worry, touching a toad won’t give you warts, but it’s still smart to wash your hands after. This means that all toads are poisonous but are mildly toxic to humans. The poison is mostly to protect themselves from predators.
You can also spot the difference by looking at their legs. Frogs have long, strong back legs that help them jump far and swim fast. Toads are chunkier with shorter legs, so they take smaller hops or just walk around instead of making big leaps.
Where they live
Generally, frogs are found in or near water, while toads prefer drier habitats and are often farther from water, only seeking it when needed. On a herping tour, you’re more likely to encounter frogs, as they are exceptionally more common and can be found on every continent except Antarctica. Toads, on the other hand, are a bit less widespread, living in most parts of the world but absent from places like Australia, Polynesia, Madagascar, and Antarctica.
Behavior how they act
Frogs tend to be more timid and will hop away if approached and toads have a tendency to stay still when approached. Frogs have sticky long tongues so they can reach out to get their food. Toads don’t have sticky tongues so they have to walk up to its food to eat it.
While both toads and frogs lay their eggs in a body of water, frogs lay them in clusters, whereas toads lay eggs in a chain. When it comes to the tadpoles, it’s harder to distinguish between them but frog tadpoles are thin and toads tadpoles are more thick.
During mating season, both toads and frogs have specific songs to attract females. Male toads typically have longer and more tuneful calls compared to the shorter, simpler calls of frogs.
Even though frogs and toads have their differences they are both at risk for many reasons. From climate change to chytridiomycosis (a fungal disease) there are ways you can support them. Creating a frog-friendly environment in your yard is a great place to start. You can add a small pond to provide a breeding space, avoid using harmful pesticides, and offer hiding spots like logs, rocks, or even a “toad abode” to keep them safe from predators. Supporting conservation efforts and raising awareness about these issues can also make a big impact. Together, we can ensure that frogs and toads continue to thrive in our ecosystems for generations to come.
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