Toads belong to an order of amphibians called Anura, an order which also includes frogs. The name “toad” is a non-scientific name for frogs that have dry, rough skin (rather than the frog’s smooth, moist skin) and have shorter hind legs when compared to frogs. Toads are also more fat and squat than frogs. Both adult frogs and toads are tailless when they reach maturity.
Because of their warty appearance, it is a common misconception that touching toads can cause warts. People cannot contract warts from toads. Touching some toads can make people sick, however, because of toxins that they secrete through glands in their skin.
Most toads begin life as eggs (living in water) and then hatch into tadpoles. These swimming tadpoles resemble fish with large heads and skinny tails. As the toad grows, the tadpole tail is absorbed into the body. Legs grow and gills are lost so that toads can eventually hop, walk and breathe on land.
Toads exhibit several defense techniques that they use to confuse or ward off predators. Most toads produce a nasty tasting toxin from the glands behind their eyes to keep their predators from swallowing them. Toads can also puff themselves up to look much bigger than they really are in order to keep predators from attacking. Most toads have coloring that allows them to blend into their leafy and/or muddy surroundings so that they are unseen by those who might wish to eat them. Still other toads have bright, vibrant colors that signal to predators that the toads themselves are poisonous.
Toads are carnivorous (which means they eat meat). A toad’s menu usually includes insects, spiders, grubs, slugs, worms and crickets. Toads are great tenants to keep in the garden because they eat garden pests. Some toads even eat other amphibians, snakes, various reptiles and small mammals (such as rodents).
One of the hardiest toads to keep as a pet is the Oriental Fire Bellied Toad. This toad is widely recommended for beginners. The Oriental Fire Bellied Toad has a vibrant, exotic coloring and thrives in housing which provides both land and water. It does secrete a toxin, so immediate washing of hands after handling is recommended.