Southern Toad

Taxobox | name = Southern Toad
status = LC
status_system = iucn3.1
status_ref =

---

image_size = 240px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Amphibia
ordo = Anura
familia = Bufonidae
genus = "Bufo"
species = "B. terrestris"
binomial = "Bufo terrestris"
binomial_authority = Bonnaterre, 1789
synonyms = "Anaxyrus terrestris"

The Southern Toad ("Bufo terrestris") is a medium sized (approximately 3 inches, the largest recorded toad was 4 1/2 inches) true toad native to the southeastern United States, from eastern Louisiana to southeastern North Carolina. It is most common in areas with sandy soil, making it extremely common in the Sandhills of South Carolina. Its coloring is usually brown but can be red, grey, or black. It is a common pet for small children. It can be kept in a small 5 gallon aquarium lined with unfertilized potting soil, sand, or any reptile substrate, as it is a burrowing species. It also needs a small bowl deep enough for it to sit in to soak, as it can dry out without somewhere to soak. The Southern Toad will eat just about any insect that is alive that it can fit in its mouth. The Southern Toad is a nocturnal toad, emerging from its ground burrow around twilight to forage with for insects. It spends it daylight hours sleeping in its burrow.

References

* (2004) The history of a Nearctic colonization: Molecular phylogenetics and biogeography of the Nearctic toads ("Bufo"). "Evolution" "58": 2517–2535.
* Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is of least concern

External links

* [http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/narcam/idguide/bterrest.htm USGS: Southern Toad]
* [http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Bufo_terrestris.html Animal Diversity: Southern Toad]
* [http://www.dgif.state.va.us/wildlife/species/display.asp?id=020064 VDGIF: Southern Toad]