Toads are a common sight across much of the United States, but few places rival Texas when it comes to diversity. With its vast landscapes and varied ecosystems, Texas likely boasts the highest number of toad species of any U.S. state. A total of 16 toad species have some type of presence in Texas, making it a hotspot for toad enthusiasts and herpetologists alike.
Most of these toads belong to the family Bufonidae, commonly referred to as “true toads,” while others belong to families like Microhylidae, Rhinophrynidae, and Scaphiopodidae. Each species has adapted to different regions of the state, from arid deserts to lush, humid forests, thanks to Texas’ diverse climate and habitats.
Generally, toads thrive in open landscapes, humid conditions, or even suburban areas. Many species breed near water sources, which Texas offers in abundance with its rivers, ponds, and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. Iconic waterways like the Rio Grande, Colorado River, and Red River make Texas an ideal environment for these amphibians.
Although toads and frogs both belong to the order Anura, they are quite distinct. Toads typically have drier, warty skin and are better suited for life away from water compared to their frog cousins. This article explores the 16 species of toads in Texas, highlighting their unique traits and the habitats where you might encounter them.
Texas Toads: A Guide to 16 Incredible Species
Texas is home to an impressive variety of toads, with 16 distinct species found across the state. These include the Texas toad, East Texas toad, Houston toad, American toad, and Green toad. Other notable species include the Gulf Coast toad, Great Plains toad, Cane toad, and Red-Spotted toad. You’ll also find Woodhouse’s toad, Eastern Narrow-Mouthed toad, and Mexican Burrowing toad, alongside the Great Plains Narrow-Mouthed toad. Rounding out the list are three unique spadefoot toads: Couch’s Spadefoot toad, Eastern Spadefoot toad, and New Mexico Spadefoot toad.
1. Texas Toad
Scientific name: Anaxyrus speciosus
The Texas toad is a medium-sized amphibian with brown coloring and dark yellow-green spots. Males typically reach about 3.1 inches in length, while females grow slightly larger at up to 3.6 inches. These toads thrive in loose, sandy soil or grasslands and are found throughout most of Texas, excluding wetter regions in the east and the western panhandle.
2. Woodhouse’s Toad
Scientific name: Anaxyrus woodhousii
Woodhouse’s toads are easily identified by their grayish-brown or yellowish-brown coloring, accented with small dark spots and a paler, often spotless belly. These toads can grow up to 5 inches long and have prominent parotoid glands. They inhabit most of Texas but are less common in far eastern and southern areas.
3. East Texas Toad
Scientific name: Anaxyrus woodhousii velatus
A possible subspecies of the Woodhouse’s or Fowler’s toad, the East Texas toad is a small, adaptable amphibian averaging 2 to 3 inches in length. Its yellowish-brown, black, or greenish-brown coloring helps it blend into its surroundings, while its lighter belly stands out. This toad is primarily found in the eastern quarter of Texas.
4. Houston Toad
Scientific name: Anaxyrus houstonensis
The Houston toad is a critically endangered species with a striking purplish-gray or black body, sometimes marked with green patches. Adults grow up to 3.5 inches, with females being larger and bulkier. Once widespread, this species is now restricted to a handful of counties in central Texas and is protected under state and federal conservation laws.
5. American Toad
Scientific name: Anaxyrus americanus
This hardy toad is found in the northeastern tip of Texas, where it thrives in forests and open spaces. Adults can grow up to 3.5 inches and are typically brown with light patches. Known for their nocturnal habits, American toads are most active during warm, humid weather and hibernate by burrowing below the frost line in winter.
6. Green Toad
Scientific name: Anaxyrus debilis
True to their name, green toads boast vibrant to pale green coloring with black spots. These small toads, with males reaching 1.8 inches and females growing up to 2.1 inches, are found in the western two-thirds of Texas. Adapted to arid environments, they spend much of their time underground, emerging only after heavy rains to breed.
7. Gulf Coast Toad
Scientific name: Incilius valliceps
The Gulf Coast toad is larger than many of its counterparts, reaching up to 4 inches in length. It is characterized by its brown body with three distinctive white stripes running down its back. These adaptable amphibians are commonly found in central and south Texas, thriving in both brackish coastal marshes and inland habitats.
8. Great Plains Toad
Scientific name: Anaxyrus cognatus
The Great Plains toad is a hardy species that thrives in the western half of Texas, including the panhandle. With a mix of brown, gray, and green coloring adorned with darker blotches, these toads are well-camouflaged in their grassland and ditch habitats. Females grow larger than males, reaching up to 4 inches in length, and the species is known for its distinctive ridges and numerous warts.
9. Cane Toad
Scientific name: Rhinella marina
You might know these as Marine toads or Giant toads, and they’re the largest true toads in the U.S., reaching up to a massive 9.4 inches. Cane toads have large parotoid glands that release toxins, which can be dangerous for predators and even pets. Their coloring ranges from yellowish and red-brown to gray and olive-brown, often with unique patterns. They’re found in southern Texas along the Rio Grande valley and are considered invasive in the United States.
10. Red-Spotted Toad
Scientific name: Anaxyrus punctatus
This small, flat-bodied toad is light gray, reddish-brown, or olive, with distinctive red or orange warts covering its body. Preferring rocky canyons, streams, and burrows under rocks, the Red-Spotted toad is commonly found in the western two-thirds of Texas. Its soft, high-pitched trill is a hallmark of its breeding calls.
11. Eastern Narrow-Mouthed toad
Scientific name: Gastrophryne carolinensis
The Eastern Narrow-Mouthed toad is a small amphibian with a rounded, oval-shaped body and a narrow, pointed head. Its back and legs feature bluish tones with coppery patterns, and its multicolored belly helps distinguish it. Growing up to 2.1 inches, this toad lives in the humid forests and grasslands of eastern Texas.
12. Mexican Burrowing Toad
Scientific name: Rhinophrynus dorsalis
With smooth skin in dark-gray to maroon-brown tones, the Mexican Burrowing toad is a striking species. It features bright orange, red, or yellow spots and a red stripe down its back. Adults grow to around 3.3 inches and are most commonly found in south Texas near the Mexican border. They’re known for their burrowing lifestyle, but will surface during heavy rains to breed.
13. Great Plains Narrow-Mouthed Toad
Scientific name: Gastrophryne olivacea
This small toad, also called the Western Narrow-Mouthed toad, grows to about 1.5 inches and is known for its high-pitched buzzing call. Its gray-brown or olive-green back may feature black blotches, while its belly is lighter. Found throughout most of Texas, it often inhabits grasslands and burrows to escape predators and heat.
14. Couch’s Spadefoot Toad
Scientific name: Scaphiopus couchii
Couch’s Spadefoot toad is easily recognized by its smooth, yellowish-green or olive skin and darker spots. It has vertical pupils and a sickle-shaped spade on its hind feet, perfect for burrowing. This toad is native to central Texas, where it engages in “explosive breeding” after heavy rainfall forms temporary pools.
15. Eastern Spadefoot Toad
Scientific name: Scaphiopus holbrookii
Named for the sharp-edged spades on its hind feet, the Eastern Spadefoot toad is one of the few species without warts. It features yellowish or tan coloring with minimal patterning and grows up to 3.1 inches in length. Found in eastern Texas, these toads burrow vertically into sandy soil to avoid predators and retain moisture.
16. New Mexico Spadefoot Toad
Scientific name: Spea multiplicata
The New Mexico Spadefoot toad has a compact, round body with brownish-green and gray coloring, accented by black and orange speckling. Its white belly and sickle-shaped spades on its hind legs help it burrow effectively. Growing to about 2.5 inches, this toad is primarily found in central Texas, thriving in arid and semi-arid regions.
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