Common toad

Bufo bufo

Size: 8–15 cm · 20–80 g
Diet: Carnivore
Activity: Nocturnal
Sociality: Solitary
Lifespan: —

Common toad is a sturdy toad widespread in Europe that gathers at ponds during the breeding season. Road crossings, pond loss, and pesticides can affect local populations.

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Key facts

Common toad (Bufo bufo) is a carnivore animal classified as Amphibian · Anura · Bufonidae.
Primary habitats are forest · grassland · freshwater · urban, with a range across Palearctic.
Activity is nocturnal, sociality is solitary, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
Common toad is a sturdy toad widespread in Europe that gathers at ponds during the breeding season.
It uses woodland, grassland, gardens, parks, farmland, and damp areas near water.

Sources

wikidata.org

Range

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It uses woodland, grassland, gardens, parks, farmland, and damp areas near water. Main habitat types in this guide are forest, grassland, freshwater, urban.

Appearance

Typical length 8-15 cm, weight 20 g-80 g. Warty skin, copper-colored eyes, short legs, and a squat body are characteristic.

Behavior

It is nocturnal and usually solitary. It walks at night to feed and often returns to the same ponds in spring, crossing roads en route.

Feeding

It is carnivorous. Insects, earthworms, slugs, spiders, and other small ground animals are caught with the tongue.

Reproduction

Males clasp females, and long strings of eggs are laid in ponds or pools.

Notes

Although still widespread in places, it remains sensitive to habitat change. Road crossings, pond loss, and pesticides can affect local populations.