Description: 2 - 3 1/2 inches (5.1-9 cm) in length. Skin coloration is typically brown or reddish. One or two warts are present in each of the large dark blotches on their back. The white chest usually has dark speckles. The parotid gland is typically separated from the cranial ridge. (MN DNR, 2022)
Food: American toads eat insects, worms and snails. (MN DNR, 2022)
Habitat: Breeding habitat: Temporary wetlands, swamps, shallow bays of lakes, and backwaters of rivers, streams and ditches. Summer habitat: While this species is most often associated with forest and woodland habitat, it also occupies grasslands, residential yards, and gardens.Winter habitat: Subterranean, burrows below frost line. If you see a toad, it's most likely an American toad, the most common toad in Minnesota. This toad is often seen in or around wetlands during the spring mating season. At other time of the year it can be found far from water even in backyards and gardens in the city. (MN DNR, 2022)
Reproduction: Females lay up to 20,000 eggs which normally hatch within one week. Large schools of tiny, black tadpoles feed together along the edge of shallow wetlands, emerging as a mass of tiny toads within approximately six weeks. Maturity occurs in two to three years. (MN DNR, 2022)
Phenology is the study of seasonalchanges in plants and animals, and how those changes relate to climate. Phenology information and historical data are available on theSeasonWatchwebsite (use the "Season Watch" link above).SeasonWatchis a collaboration between Northern Community Radio and the University of Minnesota. Funding from the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources
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