American Toad Anaxyrus americanus


Description: 2 - 3½ inches. American Toads vary in color from brown to gray, and may have a slight olive or reddish tint. The belly is a pale color with fine black spots or speckles. The back has dark spots that usually contains one or two warts each. There are two large glands on the back of the head (parotoid glands), that are either completely separated from the small ridge behind each eye (cranial crests), or connect to it by a small spur.

Similar Species: American Toads may be mistaken for Canadian Toads in western Minnesota. American Toads are the only toad found in eastern Minnesota and are highly variable in color and pattern.

Comments: Minnesota's most common toad, and may even be found in urban environments.

Distribution Map
Distribution of the American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus)

This map is generated from data provided by the Bell Museum of Natural History and HerpMapper.org. Please help us keep it up-to-date by submitting your amphibian and reptile observations.

Phenology of American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus)
Audio

American toad chorus. Courtesy of Christopher E. Smith.

Photographs