Description: Narrowmouth Toads are small, flattened
frogs with pointed snouts and a fold of skin across the back of
the head. They are typically around 1-1.5 in (2.5-4 cm). Overall
color is generally gray to brown but can be extremely variable
and can change from day to day or with the mood of an individual.
The belly is usually heavily mottled.
Range and Habitat: Eastern Narrowmouth Toads are found
throughout the Southeast but are absent from higher elevations
of the mountains. They use many types of habitats as long as adequate
moisture and shelter are present. They require fishless temporary
wetlands to breed.
Habits: Narrowmouth Toads are secretive and are usually
found by overturning boards or logs in woodland habitats. They
feed on a variety of invertebrates but particularly ants. This
species breeds in the summer and adults congregate at temporary
water bodies, including large puddles and roadside ditches, to
breed on rainy summer nights. Males call with only their snout
protruding from the water and are often hard to locate. Eggs float
on the surface of the water and tadpoles take 20-70 days to metamorphose.
Call: The call of the narrowmouth toad is a long, nasal,
high-pitched "waaaaaaaaaaaaah".
Conservation Status: Eastern Narrowmouth Toads are abundant
and widespread and are not protected in our region.
Account Author: Matthew King, University of Georgia -
edited by J.D. Willson
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