Mexican Burrowing Toad
Rhinophrynus dorsalis
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 bac…
How to identify
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.
Range
Ranges along eastern and southern coastal Mexico, with the most northern border extending into the southern tip of Texas.
Habitat
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.
Variations
Colorful patterning can be yellow, orange, or red. Background color can be dark grey to dark brown.
Similar species
These toads are unlike any other species and are not easy to misidentify.
Name and etymology
Dorsalis: Latin for of the back.
At a glance
Range
Ranges along eastern and southern coastal Mexico, with the most northern border extending into the southern tip of Texas.
Habitat
These toads live most of their lives burrowed underground and emerge after heavy rains to breed. They prefer areas with soft…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap