Cranopsis valliceps
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Gulf Coast Toad | ||||||||||||||
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| Bufo valliceps Weigmann, 1833 |
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Cranopsis valliceps, Ollotis valliceps |
Cranopsis valliceps is a synonym of Bufo valliceps, The Gulf Coast Toad. (Cranopsis Cope is a junior homonym of several other names). Bufo valliceps is a species of toad native to Mexico around the Gulf of Mexico region.
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[edit] Description
Gulf coast toads are a medium sized toad species, ranging from 2" to 4" in length. Their back varies in color from nearly black, to shades of brown and grey with a distinctive white or yellowish colored stripe down the center, and sometimes lighter colored patches on the sides. Their underside is yellow or cream colored. Their back is covered in small tubercles, while their underside is normally devoid of them.
B. valliceps has the most extensive ridging of any toad in its geographic range. The ridges extend from the nose, to the back of the head. With a branch that wraps around the back side of the eye.
[edit] Habitat
It is found in a wide range of habitats including: open grassland, semi-arid regions, light forest, and even suburban backyards. They are typically found not far from a permanent water source, which they use for breeding in the spring, but they are capable of travelling long distances while foraging for food.
[edit] Diet
Like most toads, the gulf coast toad is an opportunistic carnivore. It will eat almost any small arthropod it is able to overpower and swallow.
[edit] References
- Pauly, G. B., D. M. Hillis, and D. C. Cannatella. (2004) The history of a Nearctic colonization: Molecular phylogenetics and biogeography of the Nearctic toads (Bufo). Evolution 58: 2517–2535.
- Santos-Barrera et al (2004). Bufo valliceps. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006. Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is of least concern
- Bufo valliceps (TSN 173494). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved on 21 April 2006.
- Herps of Texas: Bufo valliceps
- Frost, Darrel et al. (2006). "The Amphibian Tree of Life". Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 297: 364. doi:.
