Toad (Bufo) is a large genus of over 100 species of batrachians, of world-wide distribution, with the exception of Australia and Madagascar ; most abundant in tropical America and the Indo-Malayan region. Closely related to the frogs (Rana), they differ from them in their flatter upper side, broader head, shorter limbs, and in the skin being dry and pimply, with glands which secrete an acrid fluid. In addition, the toads are toothless, and the tip of the tongue is not divided. They pass through a larval ('tadpole') stage similar to that of the frog, but the eggs, which vary from 700 to 2,000, are extruded in a double chain enclosed in a string of jelly, which is wound around water plants. The tadpoles are smaller and darker than those of the frog. The genus is represented in Britain by two species: the common toad (Bufo vulgaris) and the natterjack (Bufo calamita); but the former does not occur in Ireland. The common species has on its upper side some tint of brown or grey, varying with its surroundings; and the under parts are whitish, more or less spotted with black. It seeks drier situations than the frog, and is inactive during the day, coming abroad in the dusk and feeding upon insects, worms, and snails large individuals on occasion catching small mice. One toad will in a night's foraging consume vast numbers of insects, so that its cooperation is always to be encouraged by gardeners. From ancient days the toad has been the subject of numerous erroneous beliefs, e.g. the possession of a jewel in its head, the power of ejecting venom, and of living for centuries entombed in solid stone or the heart of a tree. The toad hibernates, retiring in autumn to holes in dry ground or other suitable retreats, and on awakening in spring immediately seeks the ponds or ditches for mating and egg-laying. Research Toad
Abbreviations
Nature
Research Toad