Amphibian 🐸
🐸
Bufo bufo
| Size | 8–15 cm About the size of a computer mouse |
|---|---|
| Weight | 20–80 g About the weight of a small apple |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years |
| Rarity | Common |
| M vs F | Females are much larger — up to twice the weight of males. Males develop rough nuptial pads on their thumbs in spring for gripping females |
| Habitat | Gardens, woodland, hedgerows, parks — migrates to ponds in spring to breed |
| Best time | March–April migration to breeding ponds |
| Conservation | UK: Amber LC |
Did you know?
Toads secrete a mild venom from the parotoid glands behind their eyes — harmless to humans, but causes dogs to foam at the mouth and immediately drop the toad
Toads secrete a mild venom from the parotoid glands behind their eyes — harmless to humans, but causes dogs to foam at the mouth and immediately drop the toad
More for experts
They have extraordinary homing ability — displaced toads have found their way back to their breeding pond from over 3 km away, likely using magnetic field navigation
Often confused with
Common Frog (smoother skin, more pointed snout, longer legs, spotted)
Common Frog (smoother skin, more pointed snout, longer legs, spotted)