Ohio Frog and Toad Calling Survey

Fowler's Toad

(Bufo fowleri)

Distribution of the Fowler's Toad in Ohio.

An adult Fowler's Toad.

Species Description: Snout-vent length 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 inches).  Dorsal color brown, tan, gray, or light green.  A series of dark spots extends along the back from behind the parotoid glands to the groin.  Three or more warts occur on the larger spots.  Warts, including those on the hind limbs, are small and grainy.  A dark spot in the center of the chest usually marks the white underside. The bony crests on the head always touch the parotoid glands. 
Habitat:  It is most typically found in the open, especially in river and stream valleys in areas with sandy soil.  It is not unusual to find this species in  agricultural areas. 
Reproductive Activity: Chorusing begins in May and continues into June.  The advertisement call lasts three to four seconds and is a whining “wa-a-ah”, somewhat like a bleating sheep.  Eggs are laid in long strings in ponds and stream backwaters.  Metamorphosis occurs in late June through July.
Ohio Distribution: Found throughout Ohio with the exception of several counties in the northeast corner of the state.  It does occur in a very narrow band along the lake plain in Lake and Ashtabula Counties. 
Status: Locally common but not as widespread in Ohio as Eastern American Toads.  Appears to be more widely distributed in the Till Plains than in the unglaciated portions of Ohio.  Anecdotal data suggests that its populations could be declining in Ohio.

Last modified:
Saturday, March 26, 2005

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