Fowler's Toad (Bufo woodhousii)

In our last expedition out into the field we visited Indian Creek where we were able to find a brand new herp, the Fowler's Toad (Bufo woodhousii).  It was found in a small fairly non-moving tributary of the main creek.  The specimen was about 1 1/2" long meaning it still has some growing up to do since the Fowler's toad can grow to be 2-3" in length.

There are four main characteristics of this toad that helped us to identify it in the field.  First in its large black spots there are at least three warts.  Second its belly is usually unspotted.  Third it has no enlarged warts on the tibia.  Finally its parotoid gland touches the cranial ridge.  Usually at least three of these factors can be seen and will help to correctly identify this species.

The Fowler's toad ranges from Alabama and Georgia and up as far north as Michigan and across the US into Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  Therefore this toad can be found anywhere in Ohio.  The habitat in which it normally lives are andy areas, around lakes or in river valleys where we found our specimen.  Overall it was very exciting to have such a cool new find on our last day of herping as a class.  -Roland T. Lefebvre