American toad skull, Bufo americanus

Common Name: American toad
Scientific Name: Bufo americanus
Order: Anura
Family: Bufonidae
Image Number: ROM2004_1062_4

Toads are among the most familiar of our amphibians. The American toad is common in Ontario and occurs in a variety of habitats.

There are about 3000 species of toads and frogs worldwide and most of these have the typical body form of large head, long legs and no tail. Toads eat a variety of insects, worms or other invertebrates, which are swallowed whole. The large mouth can accommodate sizeable prey items.

The skull of the toad is broad and flattened. The large eye sockets indicate that toads have acute eyesight. The eyes can be moved in a wide arc, and the eye muscles are also used to push food into the throat. The upper jaw has a single row of teeth.