![]() ![]() But instead of beetles, the toads preferred to eat native frogs, small marsupials, and snakes. Latin American cane toads were introduced to Australia in 1935 to kill sugarcane beetles. In some cases, however, their appetites can be a problem. Some of the larger species chow down on mice, birds, and even other small reptiles and amphibians.įrogs and toads are responsible for keeping a large part of the world's insect population under control. Most frogs and toads eat insects, spiders, worms, and slugs. The waxy tree frog, found in the arid Gran Chaco of South America, produces a waxy substance that it rubs all over its skin to prevent evaporation. There are always exceptions, though: the Australian water-holding frog is a desert dweller that burrows deep into the ground to keep from drying out. The thin layer of mucous keeps the skin moist and protects it from scratches.įrogs need fresh water for their skin, so most live in aquatic or swampy habitats. They can also absorb water through wet surfaces and are vulnerable to water loss through the skin in dry conditions. Instead, they have a moist and permeable skin layer covered with mucous glands this allows them to breathe through their skin in addition to their lungs. Frogs don’t have fur, feathers, or scales on their skin. Some frogs prefer to walk or run rather than hop, especially those living in grasslands, and aquatic frogs use their swimming skills to make a quick getaway.įrogs and toads are found in nearly every type of habitat, almost everywhere on Earth except Antarctica. Hopping is a great way to escape from danger quickly. Generally, the longer the frog’s back legs are, the farther it can hop. Powerful muscles in a frog’s back legs give it distance while pushing off from whatever surfaces it’s leaping from. Most frogs and toads are great at hopping any which way. Most toads can also secrete a burning milky toxin from a gland, called the parotoid gland, behind their eyes! If a predator is after a toad, the toad can puff itself up so it looks too big to swallow. Toads have additional survival techniques as well. When disturbed, these toads bend upward to display their red belly and warn predators of their toxic skin. Some species employ both strategies, such as the Oriental fire-bellied toad, which is green on top but red on the bottom. Those with mottled green or brown colors are camouflaged so predators have a hard time finding them. Those with bright colors (like poison frogs) advertise their presence and warn potential predators that their skin is toxic. Each one signals a different survival technique. But they can't turn their head like we can, since their neck is almost non-existent.Īdult frogs and toads have two main color schemes. They can also hop around to look in another direction. Most frog and toad species have large, protruding eyes so they can see in most directions. When you look at a frog or a toad, you'll notice that it doesn't seem to have a neck. This is because they don’t eat the poisonous insects found in the wilderness that these frogs require to produce the toxins that make them so deadly. ![]() But don’t worry: these toxins would need to enter the bloodstream to cause us harm, and additionally, the poison frogs in managed care are typically non-toxic. The word "frog" can include both frogs and toads, as some frogs may not live near water and some toads have smooth skin.Ĭan you get warts from holding a toad? No! But you can die from holding a frog-if it's a poison frog! Some of these bright little South American frogs are so toxic that one drop of their skin secretions can kill an adult human. Frogs are more likely to live in or near water than toads. Toads, on the other hand, are more heavyset with shorter legs, and usually have drier skin, often with warty-looking bumps. ![]() Depending on the species, they may be found in water, on land, or in trees, and come in many sizes and colors.įrog or toad? Frogs often have long legs that are good for hopping, skin that is smooth and moist, and special pads on their toes that help them climb. Frogs are fascinating! The world holds a wonderful variety of frog species, each adapted to living in its unique habitat, be it cool mountain slopes, scorching deserts, or tropical rainforests. ![]()
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