In the kingdom of amphibians we have, among other animals, the toad and the frog, which are very similar animals that are sometimes difficult to distinguish due to their similar shape.
However, the frog and the toad are completely different animals, although they look alike physically, they have some peculiarities that make them different. However, some of them are significant in differentiating one species from another.
In addition to this, some species of both are capable of producing poison, this being completely essential to avoid that we do not have to regret poisoning. In addition, there are other key differences to differentiate between frogs and toads.
We have differences in the habitat, in the skin, in the legs, in the way of reproducing, in the way of feeding, in the eyes and in the way of keeping dangerous species away, among others. Knowing these differences, we will know perfectly what species is what and we will know just with a quick glance to know everything about them.
What do you need to differentiate the toad and the frog?
- Observation capacity to be able to distinguish between frogs and toads from now on.
Instructions to differentiate the toad and the frog
- The skin and the eyes: The first of all in which frogs and toads differ is in the characteristics of the skin and how the eyes are. First of all, know that the eyes of toads are usually much larger than those of frogs, but those of frogs have much larger pupils than those of toads (giving the particularity of bulging eyes). As for the skin, toads usually have much more wrinkled, dry and warty skin, while the skin of frogs is completely smooth and very moist, being completely the opposite of how toad skin is.
- Legs and size: Toads are usually much larger than frogs, although the size of frogs is variable, they are never larger than toads, which are also distinguished by being much fatter than frogs, which they have a slim body. But the main differentiating characteristic is the legs, since frogs have them much larger and longer, because they need strong legs to be able to jump high and get away from enemies, since toads scare them away using their bad smell. Also, toads have separate toes, but frogs’ toes have close ties.
- Reproduction: Both have oviparous reproduction in a very similar way; however, we have small differences in the way of laying the eggs and fertilizing them. The main difference in the reproduction of frogs and toads is that the frogs lay small eggs divided into separate groups, while the toad usually lays the eggs all together, forming a perfect single file.
- Habitat: Frogs always need to live in a moist, aquatic environment so they can keep their skin clean and shiny. On the other hand, the toad can adapt to practically any habitat, whether it is a very dry environment such as a desert(typical of lifting a stone and having a toad under it) or a humid environment similar to that of frogs, being a species capable of adapting to all kinds of habitats around the world.
- Defense mechanisms: Both some species of toads and some species of frogs have poisonous substances on their skin, in which you can poison yourself just by touching them. If we talk about how to escape there, things change, since frogs use their large legs to be able to jump much higher than toads and, on the other hand, toads prefer to use the bad smell to keep all predators away.
Tips to differentiate the toad and the frog
- Differentiate them with the naked eye: To differentiate them with the naked eye, you simply have to take into account certain circumstances.
- Where are we? If the environment is dry, be sure that it is a toad and if the environment is humid, it could be a toad or a frog.
- Size: If it is very large and plump, it is a toad and if it is small and thin it is a frog, you do not have to look at anything else.
- The smell: If the surroundings smell bad, it is probably a toad.
- The jumps: If it is hitting huge jumps, it is a frog, if instead they are small jumps or it does not move, it is a toad.
