Reptile & Amphibian Forums

how do I tell Bufo fowleri from Bufo a. americanus without knowing range or where it came from?

thanks!

It is usually difficult and may not always be possible even if you do know the range. B. fowleri usually have three or more "warts" per dark spot, Americans have less. Fowler's toads also have cranial crests that connect with the paratoid glands behind the eye. Americans in my area tend to be redder in color and also have larger warts on the dorsal side of their calf.

Also keep in mind that these two species often hybridize.

I suggest that you get the Petersons field guide for reptiles and amphibians, this book has illustrations on how to tell the difference.
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*Humans aren't the only species on earth... we just act like it.

".the oldest task in human history: to live on a piece of land without
spoiling it."
Aldo Leopold (1938)

About the easiest way to tell the difference in the field if you are not too familiar with both species, is to roll them over- Fowlers don't have spotted bellies. Am's usually do. Sometimes it's hard to remember all of the differences but this one is pretty easy. Fowlers tend to be a little more prominantly patterned also. As Colchicine stated, these two do hybridize so sometimes you may find one thats both!
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How to get your wife to like toads; 1.Get a male toad. 2.Get him to hug your wifes wrist (amplexus). 3. Tickle him so he chirps in protest. 4.Say "Awww, he likes you". Note; Make sure he pees first or you may receive bodily harm during this procedure.