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Toad
Toad
Amphibian. Touching a toad won't cause warts, but toads CAN secrete poisons that cause convulsions, paralysis, and even death in some predators! Like frogs, toads begin life in a very different form. From eggs, they hatch as fish-like tadpoles breathing through gills and living in water. During a process called metamorphosis, they lose their tail and gills, trading them in for legs and lungs. This period of change can take anywhere from a few weeks to a year. Toads, like frogs, also have the ability to breathe through their skins. Adult toads range in size from 18-200 mm (.7-8 in) and do not have teeth. Some species live up to 40 years.
Scientific Name Lifespan
Family Bufonidae Commonly 4 to 15 years
Diet
Carnivore. Insects, slugs, and worms.
Predators and Threats
Snakes, raccoons, foxes, skunks, dogs, ravens, crows, owls, hawks and grackles.
Habitat
Found on all continents except Antarctica and isolated islands like New Zealand, New Guinea, and Madagascar. Toads were introduced to Australia and are not originally native.