Western/Great Plains Narrow-mouthed Toad
A small toad found in extreme southeastern Colorado.
About This Species
Fold of skin across back of head in adult; snout pointed; toes unwebbed; eardrum not evident; upper side gray or brown, with smooth, thick skin, with or without scattered dark spots; head and body flattened. During breeding season, mature males throat skin loosens and turns yellowish or dark; small tubercles on lower jaw and chest; expanded vocal sac pea-sized and spherical.
More Information:
Physical Characteristics
Head and body length up to about 42 mm (1.7 inches) in females, 37 mm (1.5 inches) in males.
Range
Extreme southeastern Colorado. Generally scarce, locally fairly common in restricted range.
Habitat
Grassy areas on rocky slopes and in bottoms of rock-rimmed canyons. Hides under rocks or in burrows, sometimes with tarantulas.
Reproduction
Breeding call
A nasal buzz lasting 1–4 seconds, usually preceded by a short, distinct whistle (“whit”); several toads calling vigorously sound like a squadron of toy airplanes (or bees or distant sheep).
Larvae
Upper side grayish brown to blackish, belly spotted and streaked; tail fin low, tip usually dark; eyes on outside margin of head when viewed from above; lacks darkened jaws (beak) and rows of tiny teeth on lips; upper lip is a flap with notch in middle; single spiracle opens at lower midline well back on body, immediately below the anus; up to about 37 mm 1.5 inches) long.
Eggs
Enclosed in a single jelly envelope that is flattened on one side; deposited in flat, floating surface films usually less than 7 cm (2.8 inches) across and containing dozens to hundreds of eggs.
Life History
Breeds in temporary pools and in larger semi-permanent ponds behind earthen dams, usually after heavy rains in late spring and summer. Larvae metamorphose into small toads about 3-4 weeks after the eggs were laid.