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Parotoid gland facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Bufo marinus from Australia
The parotoid gland can be seen just behind the tympanum (ear) of this Cane Toad.

The parotoid gland is a skin gland on the back, neck and shoulder of toads and some frogs and salamanders. It's secretes has a substance that predators can smell. This smell will tell them that they are toxic animals. The substance, bufotoxin, acts as a nuerotoxin.

Parotoid glands looks like warts on an amphibian skin. However, warts are grown by viral infections. Parotoid glands are normal and healthy parts of the animals that have them. Many people believe that touching a toad may cause warts. However, this is not true.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Glándula parotoide para niños

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Parotoid gland Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.