Frog or Toad?

[mightymousemom]

Hi,

I have been hearing croaking in my garden, but just found out where it was coming from. I found 3 large inhabitants in my compost bin! Here is a photo of one after a recent rain.

Can you tell me what it is? I am guessing a toad, but I'm not sure! I guess they have been finding enough to eat, but I wonder if I should help them with any extra food/water. Any help appreciated! Thank you.

[Iratus ranunculus]

You have yourself Anaxyrus valliceps. The gulf coast toad. They should be fine on their own, but if you want to attract more, dont use any fertilizer or pesticides and add a small pond to your garden

[John]

That's no Gulf Coaster, that's a Marine Toad, Bufo marinus. My guess is the poster either lives in south TX or Florida. In any case, in the US toads formerly known as Gulf Coast Toads (Bufo valliceps) are now known as Coastal Plains Toad (Bufo nebulifer).

[Iratus ranunculus]

That's no Gulf Coaster, that's a Marine Toad, Bufo marinus. My guess is the poster either lives in south TX or Florida. In any case, in the US toads formerly known as Gulf Coast Toads (Bufo valliceps) are now known as Coastal Plains Toad (Bufo nebulifer).

You are right. I did not see the massive parotoid glands when I first looked at the photo due to the poor focus-I was trying to do it from cranial crests. Giving it a second look, yeah. It is definitely a Rhinella (whether it is actually marinus is another matter, the species has been split up a few times).

As for valliceps, it is still a valid taxon (http://research.amnh.org/vz/herpetol...rences&id=2962), thought genus name has changed yet again... (A pox be upon you DR Frost!)

In that case, my advice changes. Where do you live Mightmousemom? If in FL... for the love of god, kill it! They are invasive in your state. Go get some max strength oragel, catch the toads, and apply a good solid dab of it the size of your thumbnail on the toad's head. The active ingredient will literally numb the toad to death.

If in S. Texas, just let them be.

[John]

As for valliceps, it is still a valid taxon (http://research.amnh.org/vz/herpetol...rences&id=2962), thought genus name has changed yet again... (A pox be upon you DR Frost!)

Not in the US. The US B. valliceps are now known as B. nebulifer as they were judged sufficiently different to those on the more southerly Gulf of Mexico coast.

[Iratus ranunculus]

Not in the US. The US B. valliceps are now known as B. nebulifer as they were judged sufficiently different to those on the more southerly Gulf of Mexico coast.

Fair enough. I swear as soon as I learn one taxonomy the systematists go and change it on me. At least with ranids, I know when new changes are coming down the pipe...