European Green Toad
Encyclopedia
The species group of the green toads (‘Bufo viridis or Pseudepidalea virdis subgoup) is an anuran group toad
found in mainland Europe, Asia
, and Northern Africa. They live in many areas, including steppes, mountainous areas, semi-deserts, and urban areas. They comprise at least 12 major evolutionary lineages, and there are variations in the colors and patterns of these toads across their range. The spots on their backs are usually anything from green to dark brown and sometimes red spots appear, too. Most toads have white or very lightly colored stomachs.
The toads eat a variety of insects and invertebrates, mainly crickets
, meal worms, small butterflies, earthworms, moths
, beetles and caterpillars.
European green toads (B. viridis) will change their color in response to heat and light changes, but to a greater degree than others. Also similar to other toads, the European Green Toad has glands behind its neck that secrete a toxin
when the toad is threatened. Female toads are larger than males and can lay 9,000 to 15,000 eggs at a time. They can reach a maximum size of 6 inches, but growth to this size is rare.
Toad
A toad is any of a number of species of amphibians in the order Anura characterized by dry, leathery skin , short legs, and snoat-like parotoid glands...
found in mainland Europe, Asia
Asia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
, and Northern Africa. They live in many areas, including steppes, mountainous areas, semi-deserts, and urban areas. They comprise at least 12 major evolutionary lineages, and there are variations in the colors and patterns of these toads across their range. The spots on their backs are usually anything from green to dark brown and sometimes red spots appear, too. Most toads have white or very lightly colored stomachs.
The toads eat a variety of insects and invertebrates, mainly crickets
Cricket (insect)
Crickets, family Gryllidae , are insects somewhat related to grasshoppers, and more closely related to katydids or bush crickets . They have somewhat flattened bodies and long antennae. There are about 900 species of crickets...
, meal worms, small butterflies, earthworms, moths
Moths
Moths may refer to:* Gustav Moths , German rower* The Moths!, an English indie rock band* MOTHS, members of the Memorable Order of Tin Hats...
, beetles and caterpillars.
European green toads (B. viridis) will change their color in response to heat and light changes, but to a greater degree than others. Also similar to other toads, the European Green Toad has glands behind its neck that secrete a toxin
Toxin
A toxin is a poisonous substance produced within living cells or organisms; man-made substances created by artificial processes are thus excluded...
when the toad is threatened. Female toads are larger than males and can lay 9,000 to 15,000 eggs at a time. They can reach a maximum size of 6 inches, but growth to this size is rare.