Common toad
The common toad (Bufo bufo) is a widespread European amphibian recognized by its warty skin and large parotoid glands behind the eyes.
Parotoid gland: A large poison-secreting gland behind the eye in many toads. These prominent glands distinguish the common toad and release defensive secretions.
Bufotoxin: A mixture of biologically active steroid compounds secreted by the defensive glands of many toads. The common toad's parotoid glands secrete toxins that deter predators.
Garden wildlife: Wild animals that use gardens as habitat, feeding grounds, or movement corridors. Common toads often forage and shelter in gardens with damp cover and abundant invertebrates.
European green toad: A widespread Eurasian toad, Bufotes viridis, known for its green-patterned skin. It is another familiar European toad, but belongs to a different genus and has conspicuous green markings.
Amphibian skin: A permeable, often glandular skin used in water balance, respiration, and defense by amphibians. The common toad's warty surface is part of the permeable skin shared by amphibians.
Toad locomotion: Movement by toads, typically involving walking or short hops rather than sustained leaping. Its short limbs and heavy body suit walking and brief hops across land.
Amphibian road mortality: Deaths of amphibians on roads, often during seasonal movements between terrestrial habitat and breeding ponds. Breeding migrations can concentrate common toads on roads and cause substantial mortality.
Natterjack toad: A European toad, Epidalea calamita, distinguished by a yellow stripe along its back. Its stripe and preference for open, sandy habitats contrast with the common toad's appearance and range.
Amplexus: A mating embrace in which a male amphibian clasps a female during spawning. Male common toads clasp females during breeding before eggs are released.
Common toad reproduction: The breeding process of Bufo bufo, including seasonal migration, spawning, and larval development. Large seasonal migrations bring adults to water, where females lay long strings of eggs.