Indian marbled toad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Indian marbled toad |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| National amphibian of Pakistan | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Species: |
B. stomaticus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Bufo stomaticus Lütken, 1864
|
|
The Indus Valley toad is a fascinating amphibian. Its scientific name is Bufo stomaticus. You can find this toad mainly in countries like Pakistan and Iran. It might also live in Afghanistan.
This toad gets its name because it is most commonly found in the Indus Valley region of Pakistan. People sometimes call it the "house toad" because it can often be seen near human homes.
Contents
What is the Indus Valley Toad?
The Indus Valley toad is a type of toad. Toads are amphibians, which means they can live both on land and in water. They have bumpy, dry skin, unlike frogs which usually have smooth, wet skin.
These toads are usually medium-sized. They have strong legs that help them hop around. Their skin color helps them blend in with their surroundings. This makes it harder for predators to spot them.
Where Do Indus Valley Toads Live?
Indus Valley toads prefer to live in flat, open areas. These areas are often used for farming, which are called cultivated plains. They especially like places where there is still water nearby. This could be ponds, ditches, or slow-moving streams.
They are very good at adapting to different environments. This is why they can be found in various parts of their home countries. They need water for part of their life cycle, especially for laying eggs.
Life at Night: Diet and Behavior
The Indus Valley toad is a nocturnal animal. This means it is most active at night. During the day, it usually hides to stay safe and cool. When night falls, it comes out to hunt for food.
Its diet mainly consists of insects. It loves to eat small creatures like ants. Toads are important for controlling insect populations. They help keep the number of pests down in their habitats.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Like all amphibians, the Indus Valley toad starts its life in water. Female toads lay their eggs in still water. These eggs hatch into tiny larvae, which are called tadpoles. Tadpoles look like small fish and live entirely in the water.
As they grow, tadpoles slowly change. They develop legs and their tails get shorter. This process is called metamorphosis. Eventually, they become young toads that can live on land. They then move out of the water, but still stay close to it.
Images for kids
-
Duttaphrynus stomaticus can prove to be pests even in parts far away from the Indus Valley like this caught in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh
See also
In Spanish: Duttaphrynus stomaticus para niños
