Found among forests, flatwoods, and scrubs, the Oak Toad is an adorable sight to behold. This tiny fella usually makes its burrow in sandy soil and undercover like pieces of fallen trees or loose stones. This toad comes in a variety of earthy colors, such as brown, tan, and gray, though the underside of its feet is a bright orange. The Oak Toad features a darker dappled pattern across its back, and its skin is warty.
The lifecycle of the Oak Toad begins in shallow water sources such as swamps, wetlands, and cypress domes. From April to October, the toads call with high-pitched chirps to attract a mate. After copulating, the females lay their eggs in long strands among aquatic vegetation.
The tadpoles reach the toadlet stage within 4 to 6 weeks but will not reach sexual maturity for another year.
The Oak Toad feasts on various insects throughout its life, enjoying everything from ants to spiders. It should be noted that Oak Toads have parotoid glands, but unlike the CanemToad, Oak Toads are entirely harmless and not a risk to pets. In other words, the small but colorful Oak Toad is a welcome sight in the backyard!
Photo Credit Andy WaldoAuthor, Sarina Pennington, IOF Volunteer