Rocky Mountain toad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rocky Mountain toad |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
Scientific classification  |
|
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Bufonidae |
| Genus: | Anaxyrus |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: |
A. w. woodhousii
|
| Trinomial name | |
| Anaxyrus woodhousii woodhousii (Girard, 1854)
|
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Bufo woodhousii woodhousii |
|
The Rocky Mountain toad (Anaxyrus woodhousii woodhousii) is a type of Woodhouse's toad. It is also known as the western Woodhouse's toad. This toad is a specific kind, or subspecies, within the larger Woodhouse's toad family.
You can spot a Rocky Mountain toad by a few special features. It often has a light stripe down the middle of its back. It also has noticeable bumps on its head called cranial crests. Behind its eyes, you'll see long, oval glands called parotoid glands. Its belly is usually white or yellowish, with dark spots near its front legs.
Where Rocky Mountain Toads Live
Their Home Range
These toads are very common. They live across a wide area in North America. You can find them from states like North Dakota and Montana all the way down to central Texas. They also live west of the Rocky Mountains, from northern Utah to central Arizona. Sometimes, small groups of them are found in other places too.
Preferred Habitats
Rocky Mountain toads like many different kinds of places. They can be found in wet areas like marshes and swamps. They also live along rivers and in canyons. You might see them near desert streams or in areas where people water their gardens. They even live in suburban backyards!
Nighttime Habits
These toads are mostly active at night. They often go to places with lights, like streetlights or porch lights. This is because insects are attracted to lights, making it easy for the toads to find food.
