The Spadefoot Toad of America is named for the ridge of keratin on his feet, which help him to dig. A similar Family live in Europe, bearing the same name, but are not closely related. He makes his home in arid environments, burrowing beneath the soil to find moisture. He can remain underground for months. After the rains begin to fall, he surfaces to feed on insects such as ants and grasshoppers and to breed. Due to the ephemereal nature of the desert pools, tadpoles must develop swiftly if they are to survive and they can hatch, grow and metamorphose within 14 days. Remarkedly, some Spadefoot tadpoles follow the typical vegetarian diet, whereas others become carnivorous, even predating their siblings (although they prefer not to).
What is the difference between frogs and toads?
Generally speaking, frogs are more adapted for an aquatic or humid environment. They have longer legs, smoother skin and are slightly slimy due to the mucus they excrete. Toads are adapted to drier habitats. They have nobbly, thicker skin and stockier limbs. In fact, all toads are frogs, as they are members of the same Order, but not all frogs are toads.
No comments:
Post a Comment