Mexican Burrowing Toad

Range

Ranges along eastern and southern coastal Mexico, with the most northern border extending into the southern tip of Texas.

Habitats

These toads live most of their lives burrowed underground and emerge after heavy rains to breed. They prefer areas with soft soil, and usually stay within 1 mile of a water source.

Identification

A very unique toad with an extremely round, bloated body, no discernable neck, and a small circular mouth at the end of its pointed face. It has stubby legs and large back feet. It is primarily dark in color, with bright yellow, orange, or red markings on its back. These markings form a broken or solid stripe down the center of the back, and speckles or blotches on the sides. Its skin is mildly bumpy, and it reaches a length of about 8 cm. It has horny, shovel-like growths on its feet to help it dig.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians