Toads Of Florida

Florida has the most concentrated amount of amphibians of any state, including 33 different species of frogs and toads. The state's climate and moist environment makes habitats that are preferred by toads and other amphibians. Toads can be found throughout the state in marshes and ponds and along river beds.

  1. Eastern Narrowmouth Toad

    • The Eastern narrowmouth toad can be found throughout the state of Florida under logs and in debris located near water sources, such as ponds, rivers and marshes. This species of toad is identified by its multicolored stomach, short legs and oval body. The toad can give off a shimmering copper or bluish color. The Eastern narrowmouth toad prefers eating termites and ants.

    Eastern Spadefoot Toad

    • The Eastern spadefoot toad is found throughout Florida's swamps and marshes. The toad has a sharp black spade on each of its hind feet which help it burrow into loose soil and sandy areas. This type of toad has vertical pupils and no warts. The Eastern spadefoot toad is grayish to blackish brown in color and has two yellow lines starting at the eyes and form a lyre-shaped pattern. This species of toad is nontoxic but some humans have been know to have allergic reactions to it.

    Fowler's Toad

    • The Fowler's toad is generally found in Florida's panhandle making its habitat in irrigation ditches, marshes, rain ponds and backyards. This species of toad can be identified by its creamy, white stripe down the back and whitish underbelly. The toad has some warts and large black spots on the back, with some also on the belly. Male Fowler's toads are smaller than females and have black throats.

    Marine Toad

    • The marine toad, also known as the cane toad or the giant toad, can be found throughout the state of Florida. It is the largest of all toads in the state and is known for eating other frogs and toads. This nonnative species was originally introduced to eat up pest larvae -- white grubs -- found in sugar cane fields. The marine toad is poisonous and has been known to kill pets, such as dogs and cats, who have eaten or licked it. A toxic substance is excreted from the back of the marine toad's head. This substance can irritate human eyes and skin.

    Oak Toad

    • The oak toad is the smallest of toads that are found in Florida It grows only to 1 1/2 inches long. The toad is dark brown in color to light gray and has dark spots in pairs over its back. There is also a yellowish stripe that can be found down the backside of every oak toad. The oak toad is found in Florida's upland scrubs and long-leaf pine-turkey oak communities.

    Southern Toad

    • The Southern toad can be found in sandy areas, hardwood swamps and marshes throughout Florida. This type of toad can be identified by the knobs and crests on its head and the couple of warts it has on its body. Though not poisonous, the Southern toad does excrete a liquid which may be irritating to humans. The Southern toad is most active at night and seeks shelter in self-made burrows. The diet of the Southern toad consists of small invertebrates including ants, roaches, snails and beetles.