Common Toad

Common Toad

Scientific Name – Bufo bufo

Classification – Bufonidae

Baby Name – Tadpole

Collective Noun – Knot, lump, nest, or knob

Average Length – Around 15 cm (6 in)

Average Weight – 0.7 to 2.8 oz

Life Expectancy – 10 -12 years in the wild

Breeding Season – March – June

Incubation Period – 10 days

Metamorphosis Period – 2 to 3 months

Special Features – Dry and warty skin; broad head with a wide mouth; the paratoid glands producing toxic substance lies at the back of the eyes; short forelimbs; toes of the forefeet turning inwards; males have nuptial pads on the first three fingers during the breeding season

Family Unit – Solitary animal except during the breeding season

Geographical Distribution – Europe, western region of North Asia, small part of Northwest Africa

World Population – Stable

Conservation Status – Least Concern

Natural Habitat – Coniferous, deciduous and mixed forest particularly in damp locations, open countryside, copses, fields, parks and gardens, also occurs in dry areas

Diet – Insects, larvae, spiders, slugs and worms

Predators – Foxes, grass snakes, hedgehogs