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. Narrow-mouthed toads are known for their smooth skin, short limbs, and a skin fold on the back of their head. Color is variable, ranging from brown or gray to reddish depending on weather conditions. They can be found by flipping over debris in woodland areas near water, or in the wetlands at night during breeding season (summer mostly). Their whiny sheep-like call can be heard loud and clear, but when they are crouched down in the grass, they are extremely difficult to locate.
Ten Facts about Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad
- They can grow to a maximum length of approximately 5.33 centimeters (2.1 inches).
- These toads feed predominantly on ants, termites, small beetles, and other various arthropods.
- The female deposits over 800 tiny eggs that hatch within 1.5 to 3 days.
- The mating call sounds like a high-pitched, penetrating, nasal sheep-like bleat.
- Mating sound can lasts for approximately 1 to 1.5 seconds.
- General habitat types include, Borders of swamps, Live-oak ridges, pine forests, open woods, small streams.
- The species resides in the southeastern quarter of the United States, extending from west to Missouri and eastern Texas, and from southern Maryland to the Florida Keys, as well as in an isolated colony in Iowa.
- The narrow-mouthed toads can reach elevations up to 550 meters (1,800 feet).
- Birds, snakes, foxes, raccoons, fishes are predators.
- Can live maximum 5-6 years.
