Mazatlan Narrow Mouthed Toad (Gastrophryne mazatlanensis)

Common Name: Mazatlan Narrow Mouthed Toad, Sinaloan Narrow-mouthed Toad
Scientific Name: Gastrophryne mazatlanensis
Family: Microhylidae
Locations: Mexico and the United States – Arizona
Size: 1.6 inches (4 cm)

The Mazatlan Narrow Mouthed Toad was originally thought to be its own species before researchers merged it into the Great Plains Narrowed Mouth Toad (Gastrophryne olivacea). It sat as a subspecies for over 50 years before researchers decided to elevated back to its own species. Not much is known to be different in its life history than the Great Plains Narrowed Mouth Toad and it seems no one has really tried to study it. They spend most of their life underground which also doesn’t help with knowing what they are doing.

However, the toads come to the surface to breed. They breed following the heavy spring and summer rains. The male toads search out temporary pools of water to start calling from in hopes of attracting a mate. Once the female toad arrives, the male toad grasps her from behind in amplexus. Then, the female frog lays her eggs and the male frog fertilizes them.

The International Union of the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assesses the Mazatlan Narrow Mouthed Toad as Least Concern for Extinction. They have a wide range and are common throughout it. Currently, there are no major threats to the toad.