Southern Toad
Anaxyrus terrestris
Average adult length is between 1.6 and 2.9 inches although some populations can get up to 4.4 inches long. Coloration is usually brown but can occur in dark grey, black,…
How to identify
Average adult length is between 1.6 and 2.9 inches although some populations can get up to 4.4 inches long. Coloration is usually brown but can occur in dark grey, black, or dark red. Dorsal surface and sides of body are spotted with dark blotches that surround one, or multiple, warts. Faded, light colored line often found running down spine, however it may be absent in some individuals. Distinctive pronounced knobs project upwards from parotid glands, behind eyes.
Range
Southeastern United States. Range extends north to Virginia, South to the Florida Keys, east into Louisiana, and west to the Atlantic Ocean.
Habitat
Terrestrial. Found near water in sandy soil habitats that include fields, coastal scrub lands, woodlands, and residential areas. Found in a wide variety of aquatic habitats during breeding season.
Variations
Males: Smaller than females, darker throat during breeding season.
Similar species
American toad (Anaxyrus americanus)
Name and etymology
Genus
Anaxyrus
From Greek meaning a king or chief
Origin
Sources
- Laurenti, 1768. Syn. Rept., p. 25
Bufo. Laurenti, 1768 - Syn. Rept., p. 25
Species epithet
terrestris
Latin for of the earth
Origin
Sources
- (Bonnaterre, 1789). Tabl. Encycl. Meth. Trois Reg. Nat., Erp., p. 8
Bufo terrestris. (Bonnaterre, 1789) - Tabl. Encycl. Meth. Trois Reg. Nat., Erp., p. 8
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Range
Southeastern United States. Range extends north to Virginia, South to the Florida Keys, east into Louisiana, and west to the…
Habitat
Terrestrial. Found near water in sandy soil habitats that include fields, coastal scrub lands, woodlands, and residential are…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap