GREAT PLAINS TOAD
Anaxyrus cognatus
They occur throughout the Great-Plains region of the United States. In Missouri, they are found along the Missouri river from the Northwest region to just west of St. Louis.
These toads are tan, greenish-gray or brownish in color with dark green, or gray blotches on their back. Each blotch contains numerous warts and may be encircled in white or tan. A light-colored stripe may run down the back of some specimens. Belly is cream-colored with very little spotting. Females are larger than males.
Length: 3- 4.5 inches
Although uncommon in Missouri, their numbers throughout their range are stable. Look for them along the Missouri river floodplain from the NW corner to just west of St. Louis. During the hottest times of the year they will burrow into loose sand or soil to retain escape dry conditions.
Like all toads and frogs they feed on a wide variety of invertebrates. It is also one of the main prey sources for the Plains Garter Snake.
These toads are tan, greenish-gray or brownish in color with dark green, or gray blotches on their back. Each blotch contains numerous warts and may be encircled in white or tan. A light-colored stripe may run down the back of some specimens. Belly is cream-colored with very little spotting. Females are larger than males.
Length: 3- 4.5 inches
Although uncommon in Missouri, their numbers throughout their range are stable. Look for them along the Missouri river floodplain from the NW corner to just west of St. Louis. During the hottest times of the year they will burrow into loose sand or soil to retain escape dry conditions.
Like all toads and frogs they feed on a wide variety of invertebrates. It is also one of the main prey sources for the Plains Garter Snake.
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Fun Fact: Although toads are covered in dry warty skin, which allows them to live further away from water, they must lay their eggs in water! |
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