How to Tell a Male From a Female Eastern American Toad

The Eastern American Toad is a common amphibian that is found throughout southern New England. With rough skin, short legs and warty skin, this type of toad has become quite popular as a pet. Many pet owners do not know whether they have males or females and it can be rather difficult to determine so. Knowing the sex of your Eastern American Toad is important in the case of breeding and can be accomplished by examining your toad.

Instructions

    • 1

      Look at the size of your Eastern American Toad. Females are generally larger than males. Mature females are usually about 7 to 10 cm long, while mature males are only 5 to 7.5 cm long.

    • 2

      Feel the skin of the toad. Males typically have smoother skin than females do̵1;females usually have skin that feels more rough. In addition, the warts on the female̵7;s dorsum, or back, are typically pointed.

    • 3

      Examine the throat of your toad. The throat of a male is typically dark.

    • 4

      Notice the color of your Eastern American Toad. During breeding season, females tend to be reddish in color.

    • 5

      Examine the thumbs of the toad. Breeding males have enlarged, darkened pads above their thumbs called nuptial pads, whereas females do not. These thumbs are used to hang on to the female during mating. This may be the most definitive way in which to determine the sex of your Eastern American Toad.