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Red-spotted
Toad
(Bufo punctatus)by
Bonnie Wroblewski |
| This glistening girl
came to us with 74 other representatives of her species. They were part of a seizure
in Arlington, TX of thousands of native and exotic animals bound for the pet trade.
Far from the overcrowded and inhumane conditions they endured at U.S. Global Exotics,
these amphibians now enjoy roomy moss-lined terrariums, large soaking bowls, and
a seemingly endless supply of crickets, mealworms, and other invertebrate treats.
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| Photo
courtesy Dove Key Ranch Wildlife Rehabilitation |
Red-spotted toads
in Texas:At 1 1/2-3
inches long, these toads are named for the reddish spots that dart over their
olive green to tan, squat bodies. If you live in central Texas west, you can track
down serenading males luring females to any type of permanent or ephemeral water
source (including cattle troughs and stock ponds) in arid to semi-arid terrain.
Just listen for the high-pitched trill to find your way to the mating frenzy between
April and September, especially after a heavy rain. The dusky-throated males grasp
females using nuptial pads (thickened skin on their thumbs and forearms), chirping
when they’ve been spurned by less than willing partners. Eventually, they find
an amenable mate and eggs are laid one at a time: an unusual feat for North American
toads, which generally deposit eggs in long strings. The freshly fertilized globes
drift to the bottom of whatever water source serves as the natal ground, and the
red spotted toads’ progeny start a race against time. Although the eggs and future
tadpoles must survive attack by a barrage of waterbirds, omnivorous mammals, amphibious
larvae, and aquatic invertebrates, the biggest danger that lies ahead is desiccation
of their birth pool. Tadpoles burst forth from the gelatinous blobs within a few
hours to a few days and complete their transformation into four-legged, tail-free
adults in 6-8 weeks.
Following metamorphosis, the largest impending challenge
for these amphibians is persevering through the frequent dry spells that characterize
their habitats. Even though these porous skinned creatures can survive losses
of up to 40% of their body water, they still need special adaptations to endure
in climes as far as one mile from any water source. The toads sport a thin patch
of skin that stretches between their abdomen and their hind limbs that allows
dehydrating individuals to replenish their water stores from sodden ground and
damp vegetation. Red-spotted toads also seek shelter beneath rocks, within moist
plant matter, and inside subterranean burrows, bunking up with prairie dogs when
the Texas temperatures soar.
Adults of this species are voracious predators
of the peskiest of invertebrates. So, if you are lucky enough to have these hopping
hunters on your property, you have nature’s best pest control at your service
for free. Make the most of this opportunity and ensure your amphibian neighbors
prosper by retaining natural water sources, including vernal pools and temporary
puddles, and protecting toads and their aqueous offspring from molestation by
vehicles, pets, and children. In these ways you can be sure to enjoy warm spring
evenings filled with the sounds of amorous red-spotted toads long into the future.
© Bonnie
Wroblewski
http://www.dovekeywildlife.org
May 1, 2010
See Dove
Key Ranch Wildlife Rehabilitation - "Animal of the Week" Series |
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