Bufo speciosus

Scientific name. Bufo speciosus

Common Name. Texas Toad

General information. Bufo speciosus is nocturnal and burrows in the loose soil. It feeds on insects and other invertebrates.

Protected status. The Texas Toad is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Round body, covered with small warts Two black tubercles on hind feet; inner tubercle sickle-shaped. Cranial crests indistinct and widely separated, or absent. Oval parotoid glands.

Coloration. Gray marked with brown or yellow-green spots Middorsal stripe absent.

General distribution. In North America, Bufo speciosus is found in Texas and northern Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Bufo speciosus is seen throughout most of the state, except the western Panhandle and the wetter portions of east Texas.

Habitat. Bufo speciosus can be found in a wide variety of habitats: grasslands and open woodlands, mesquite-savanna associations, and areas with sandy soil.

Reproduction. Breeding in Bufo speciosus occurs from April to September, after rains.

Size. As an adult, Bufo speciosus can grow to 5-8.5 cm (2-3.5 in) in length.

Calls.

Map. Orange counties indicate new county records since previous Herps of Texas update in 1998; all other colored counties reflect known distribution prior to 1998 for species and/or subspecies. Map is based on museum voucher specimens.