![]() Most frogs and toads are great at hopping any which way. Most toads can also secrete a burning milky toxin from a gland, called the parotoid gland, behind their eyes! If a predator is after a toad, the toad can puff itself up so it looks too big to swallow. Toads have additional survival techniques as well. When disturbed, these toads bend upward to display their red belly and warn predators of their toxic skin. Some species employ both strategies, such as the Oriental fire-bellied toad, which is green on top but red on the bottom. Those with mottled green or brown colors are camouflaged so predators have a hard time finding them. Those with bright colors (like poison frogs) advertise their presence and warn potential predators that their skin is toxic. Each one signals a different survival technique. ![]() But they can't turn their head like we can, since their neck is almost non-existent.Īdult frogs and toads have two main color schemes. They can also hop around to look in another direction. Most frog and toad species have large, protruding eyes so they can see in most directions. When you look at a frog or a toad, you'll notice that it doesn't seem to have a neck. This is because they don’t eat the poisonous insects found in the wilderness that these frogs require to produce the toxins that make them so deadly. But don’t worry: these toxins would need to enter the bloodstream to cause us harm, and additionally, the poison frogs in managed care are typically non-toxic. The word "frog" can include both frogs and toads, as some frogs may not live near water and some toads have smooth skin.Ĭan you get warts from holding a toad? No! But you can die from holding a frog-if it's a poison frog! Some of these bright little South American frogs are so toxic that one drop of their skin secretions can kill an adult human. Frogs are more likely to live in or near water than toads. Toads, on the other hand, are more heavyset with shorter legs, and usually have drier skin, often with warty-looking bumps. Depending on the species, they may be found in water, on land, or in trees, and come in many sizes and colors.įrog or toad? Frogs often have long legs that are good for hopping, skin that is smooth and moist, and special pads on their toes that help them climb. Frogs are fascinating! The world holds a wonderful variety of frog species, each adapted to living in its unique habitat, be it cool mountain slopes, scorching deserts, or tropical rainforests.
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