Toads of Utah
North American toads belong to the family Bufonidae (True Toads) and, along with frogs, all toads belong to the order Anura. They are characterized by their dry, warty skin and parotoid glands. These glands produce a toxin known as bufotoxin which is used as a defensive mechanism.
Toads have short legs limiting them to short hops as opposed to the long powerful jumps of most frogs. They are terrestrial and mostly nocturnal. Toads breed in water and lay large strands of eggs. Toads can be distinguished from spadefoots by their horizontal pupils.
There are five recognized species of toads in Utah.
Click on the names or photos below to learn more and see additional photos.
The Reptiles and Amphibians of Utah 