Gastrophryne olivacea

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Great Plains Narrow-mouthed Toad
Great Plains Narrowmouth Toad
Gastrophryne olivacea
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Suborder: Neobatrachia
Family: Microhylidae
Subfamily: Microhylinae
Genus: Gastrophryne
Species: G. olivacea
Binomial name
Gastrophryne olivacea
Hallowell, 1856
Synonyms

Engystoma olivaceum

The Great Plains Narrow-mouthed Toad or Western Narrow-mouthed Toad (Gastrophryne olivacea) is a species of microhylid frog. They are found throughout much of the south central United States from the state of Nebraska south through Texas, and into northern Mexico. Though not a true toad, they are often referred to as toads, because they are terrestrial.

Description

Great plains narrowmouth toads are a small (1.5 inches), flat-bodied species, with a sharply pointed snout. They are typically olive green to grey-brown in color, sometimes with black blotching. Their underside is lighter colored. Their skin secretions can cause severe burning pain if they get into your eyes, it is important wash your hands thoroughly after handling this frog.

Behavior & Habitat

The great plains narrowmouth toad is found in a wide range of habitats, but most frequently in moist ground or leaf litter, and under rocks or fallen logs. They breed throughout the spring and summer months in pools of water left by rainfall. Their primary diet is ants.

Taxonomy

G. olivacea was once considered a subspecies of the eastern narrowmouth toad, G. carolinensis, and when it was granted full species status it was divided into two separate subspecies for a time. The subspecies were eventually found to be the same.

References

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