How to Tell the Difference Between a Frog and a Toad

If you have seen a frog or a toad in your garden and haven’t been able to tell if it was one or the other, you’re not alone. They are both amphibians with characteristics that can make them look similar at first glance. However, there are certain traits that will allow us to identify these species more easily.

5-Minute Crafts will teach you how to tell the difference between a frog and a toad according to their appearance, location, and behavior.

1. Skin

• Frogs have slimy and smooth skin, which is usually bright green or yellow-olive. Also, they look wet even after being out of the water.
• Toads have lumps and bumps, giving them a warty appearance. Additionally, their skin tends to be dark green to olive green with a dry and rough look.

2. Legs

• Frogs’ legs are longer than their head and body, which aid them in hopping.
• Toads have shorter legs. Therefore, you might see them crawling rather than hopping.

3. Shape

• Frogs have an agile and athletic appearance. They also have a pointed nose and 2 bulging eyes.
• Toads seem squat and dumpy, and their noses are much broader. Moreover, toad eyes are more subtle in appearance and they have 2 poison glands behind them.

Warning:

❗ Although most toxins secreted by toads can be mild to humans, it’s still important to wash your hands with soap and water after touching or handling a toad.

4. Location

• Frogs are usually close to the water while they are on land. This happens because they can lose moisture more easily.
• Toads can adapt much better to dry conditions, so they spend more time on land and can travel further distances from water.

💡 The presence of frogs and toads can be an indicator of a healthy ecosystem as they are sensitive to environmental changes and can’t live in polluted areas. Therefore, a sudden change in their presence can be a sign of a polluted or unbalanced habitat.

5. Behavior

• Frogs might hop away when approached. They have sticky long tongues to reach out for food. Additionally, they tend to lay eggs in clusters.
• Toads may stand still when approached or hop a shorter distance. They must walk toward their food to eat it. Also, they usually lay eggs in long chains.