Red-spotted Toad

Red-spotted toads are commonly found near water sources such as springs and water tanks. Leaves and sticks may provide them with cover to help retain moisture in their bodies.

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Small and flat, the red-spotted toad (Bufo punctatus) sports an olive to tan coloring with red-spots or tubercles on its back. Large circular glands called parotoids rest behind their bulging eyes. These glands may excrete toxins in other toads but are relatively harmless as the red-spotted toad produces little toxin.

Males call in the early evening with high pitch vibrations made with their vocal cords and vocal sac. The vocal sac acts as an amplifier as the toad moves air back and forth between its lungs making the air vibrate and creating a cricket like chirp.

Breeding is initiated by rainfall usually between the months of April through September. This unique toad does not lay eggs in a long string like other North American toads but deposits them one at a time on the bottom of watery pools.