Great Plains narrow-mouthed toad
| Great Plains narrow-mouthed toad | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Gastrophryne olivacea | |
| 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 found throughout much of the south-central United States from Nebraska south through Texas, and into northern Mexico. Though not a true toad, it is often referred to as such because it is terrestrial.
Description
Great Plains narrow-mouthed toads are a small (1.5 in), flat-bodied species, with a sharply pointed snout. They are typically olive green to grey-brown in color, sometimes with black blotching. Their undersides are lighter colored. Their skin secretions can cause severe, burning pain if they get into eyes.
Behavior and habitat
This toad is found in a wide range of habitats, but most frequently on moist ground or in leaf litter, and under rocks or fallen logs. They breed throughout the spring and summer 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
- ↑ Santos-Barrera, G.; Hammerson, G. (2004). "Gastrophryne olivacea". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 2014-10-08.