How to Know the Difference Between Male & Female Horned Toads

Horned Toads make quite interesting and peaceful pets because they devote their day to eating with as little movement as possible. The common name used when they're sold as pets is Pacman Frog, most likely because of their large mouths, rounded bodies and stubby little legs. Sexing Pacman Frogs can be quite challenging, especially the young ones. Some owners have been surprised to discover their guaranteed "male" produced 20 babies. Knowing what to look for can help you determine if that toad is a he or a she.

Things You'll Need

  • Gloves
  • Glass enclosure
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Instructions

  1. Sexing Pacman Frogs

    • 1

      Go to a breeder and compare pictures of Horned Toads with real live Horned Toads who are known to be male and/or female. Now that you know what they look like, you can use the pictures, either in a book or online on your cell phone, to help you determine the difference.

    • 2

      Inspect baby frogs closely. One of the only visible differences between young male and female Horned Toads is a dark patch of skin on the throat of the male, giving it the appearance of a beard.

    • 3

      Listen to adult frogs. The female is quiet while the male will chirp or croak when singing or calling to attract a mating partner. For this reason, sexing Pacman frogs is much simpler when they have already formed couples.

    • 4

      Measure toads that are pairing off. Adult females on a whole are larger than males. The females range from 4 to 6 inches long, whereas males only range in length from 2 1/2 to 4 1/2 inches.

    • 5

      Place several adult toads in a glassed enclosure. Eventually they will mate. The male mounts the female and uses the fleshy horns above their eyes to grasp the female and hold her in place.

    • 6

      Compare the snouts of baby pet frogs. Some owners and breeders say that, in general, females have a more triangular or pointed snout, whereas the male snout slopes down quickly from the eyes and is quite rounded. This is not a definitive form of sexing Pacman Frogs and is to be used only when there is no other identifying factor.