Frog & Toad Identification

Classification is an important part of daily life. It is the means through which we make sense of the world around us. In the animal kingdom, two creatures that seem indistinguishable at first glance may bear myriad differences with closer inspection. Frogs and toads are such an example, with differences that may surprise you.

  1. Similarities

    • Frogs and toads both begin their lives in the water as tadpoles. Both are amphibians and are cold-blooded, which means their blood is the same temperature as their surroundings. Frogs and toads are more active on rainy days and at night, and prefer to avoid direct sunlight. Both feature large eyes with the ability to see in nearly all directions at once, as well as sticky tongues that can flip out to catch insects and other prey.

    Characteristics of Toads

    • Toads have dry, bumpy skin that is typically dark in color. They have flatter, broader bodies and shorter hind legs than frogs. Rather than hopping, toads move in a walking motion. Toads feature circular parotoid glands behind their eyes that secrete foul-tasting or sometimes poisonous liquid when the animal is agitated. They also possess L-shaped ridges above their eyes called cranial crests. They lay their eyes in long chains and thrive in tropical and desert climates. While toads are land dwellers for the most part, they do visit the water periodically to cool down and maintain proper blood temperature.

    Characteristics of Frogs

    • Frogs have moist, smooth skin that is typically lighter in color than that of toads. Frogs live near water their entire lives and are excellent swimmers due to their webbed feet. They have longer, more powerful legs than toads that can propel the animal great distances. Frogs possess thin, clear flaps of skin called nictitating membranes that protect the eyes from harm while allowing the animals to see. Frogs lay their eggs in clusters.

    Geography

    • There are more than 300 species of toads found worldwide except in a few regions including Antarctica, Polynesia, Australia and Madagascar. More than 400 frog species live on all continents other than Antarctica. Brightly colored tree frogs are famous for living in jungles high above the forest floor.

    Warning

    • Thoroughly wash your hands after handling toads, as the secretion from parotoid glands can make some people ill and irritate the eyes. Use caution when handling any frogs or toads featuring brightly colored skin, as this is usually a warning sign of poisonous secretions. Certain frog species secrete lethal poison, particular the poison-arrow frog found in the Amazon rain forest.