Small, reclusive (and little seen) toad found at Ijams Homesite

Eastern Narrowmouth Toad (Gastrophryne carolinensis)

Frog and toad season is well underway at Ijams. Many species are fairly easy to find or at least hear, but there's one that is more reclusive. Occasionally we hear it's bleating call, but actually seeing one? Well that's another story. 

Wikipedia states "The Eastern Narrowmouth Toad (Gastrophryne carolinensis) is a species of microhylid frog. It is a relatively small, toad-like amphibian found in damp, shady habitats. The species is highly fossorial [adapted to digging and life underground], and feeds primarily on ants. These North American microhylids are distinguished from true toads (genus Bufo), and other anurans due to their moist, smooth skin and their lack of eardrum or tympanum.

"G. carolinensis reproduce in aquatic habits, and may breed in either temporary or permanent waters. The toad species will breed in deep water only if it is covered with a dense mat of floating vegetation/debris. They may also breed in ephemeral aquatic habitats such as temporary ponds, roadside ditches, borrow pits, deep wheel ruts in dirt roads, and shallow drainage ditches.

"The mating call sounds like a high-pitched, penetrating, nasal sheep-like bleat. It may also sound like a buzzing quality, and lasts for approximately 1 to 1.5 seconds."

Frogs and toads found at Ijams throughout the year.

      American Toad (Bufo americanus) 

      Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)

      Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)

      Western Chorus Frog  (Pseudacris triseriata)

      Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)

      Green Frog (Rana clamitans)

      Pickerel Frog (Rana palustris)

      Southern Leopard Frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus)

      Eastern Narrowmouth Toad (Gastrophryne carolinensis)

- Stephen Lyn Bales