Fowler's toad (Bufo fowleri)
CHARACTERISTICS: This is a small- to medium-sized toad with
3 or more warts in each large dorsal color spot, no enlarged warts on
the legs, chest and belly with no spots, and a paratoid gland (the en-
larged bump behind each eye) that touches the ridge on the forehead.
This species measures 2-3 in. (5.1-7.5 cm). The dorsal coloration is
usually brownish or gray, occasionally greenish or brick red, with us-
ually a light mid-dorsal stripe. Normally the belly is unspotted, but
there is frequently a single dusky spot on the breast. This species breeds
from April to mid-August. The eggs are laid in long files numbering as
many as 8000. The eggs are 1/10-3/16 inch in diameter. Eggs hatch in
about a week and tadpoles transform in 40-60 days. Tadpoles are small,
1 1/2 inches, with low tail crests and tooth ridges 2/3. The voice is a
short unmusical bleat.
DISTRIBUTION: This toad occurs statewide in Virginia. It is an abun-
dant toad in the Atlantic Coastal Plain. This species inhabits sandy areas
near lakes or in river valleys. It breeds in shallow pools, pond margins
and ditches.
FOODS: Food preferences are not documented but it is presumed they
eat insects.
Park Activities
Calendar of Events
Volunteer Programs
Sky Meadows Park
Location
Geography
Habitats
Trails
Visiting Park
Crooked Run Valley
Special Projects