How Do Toads Reproduce?
The mating process begins when the male begins to sound a breeding call to attract females to its location. When the female arrives, the male mounts it in a position known as the amplexus; this is when fertilization occurs. Immediately after fertilization, the female lays thousands of eggs onto a nearby aquatic plant. The eggs will hatch within 3 to 12 days.
Mating
Toads typically mate during periods of rainy weather, especially those living in warm climates. Toads in colder areas may wait until spring to mate when the weather turns warmer, and rain is frequent.
The mating process begins when the male begins to sound a breeding call to attract females to its location. When the female arrives, the male mounts it in a position known as the amplexus; this is when fertilization occurs.
Reproduction
Toad eggs are encased in a jelly-filled string and are laid in water. Once these eggs are laid, the parent’s work is done, as toads do not receive any further parental care. These eggs hatch within 3 to 12 days, and tadpoles emerge. The young toad tadpoles are often seen in schools and are usually black in color. Toad tadpoles are not appetizing to predators and have an unpleasant taste to their enemies. These tiny tadpoles undergo a transformation known as metamorphosis, which takes between 50 and 60 days. After this time, these water-borne tadpoles are mature toads that can live on land and in the water.
Toxicity
Most species of toads are not harmful, but some are poisonous. The Bufo toad is primarily found in humid climates such as Hawaii and Florida. These toads are poisonous and can cause serious poisoning symptoms if ingested by dogs or handled by humans.
Resources
“Frogs and Toads – Behavior And Reproduction – Species, Eggs, Males, and Called – JRank Articles .” Animal Life Resource – JRank Articles . N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Nov. 2012.
“The Common Toad.” Virgin Media – Cable broadband, TV & phone plus mobile broadband & phone. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Nov. 2012. http://homepage.ntlworld.com/jamie.bajer/common%20toad.htm
