Common Name: Texas Toad
Scientific Name: Anaxyrus speciosus
Family: Bufonidae – True Toad family
Locations: Mexico and the United States
US Locations: Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico
Size: 3.5 inches (88.9 mm)
Like most toads, the Texas Toad is nocturnal and fossorial. They burrow down during the day in the loose soil, then emerge at night to hunt for food. The Texas Toad is the state amphibian of Texas.
The Texas Toad breeds from April to September following a heavy rain event. The males of the species arrive at temporary pools created by the rain and start calling. They can call at anytime of the day but it is most intense at night. The female toads will arrive later and will select a mate. The pair will undergo amplexus and lay the eggs on the base of vegetation in the water. The eggs hatch a few days later and tadpoles emerge. Due to the tadpoles being laid in temporary pools, they have to complete their metamorphosis before the pool dries up. The tadpoles take between 18 to 60 days to complete their metamorphosis.
The International Union for the Conservation (IUCN) Red List assesses the Texas Toad as Least Concern for Extinction. They have a big range and a presumed large population. Additionally, there are no major threats to the toad.
2 thoughts on “Texas Toad (Anaxyrus speciosus)”