The Great Plains Toad (Bufo cognatus) is a relatively large species of toad. It ranges from southern Alberta, throughout the western United States, and into northern Mexico. This toad is primarily nocturnal (active at night), but is sometimes found foraging on cloudy, rainy days. It prefers loose soil where burrowing is easy. When in danger, it inflates its body, closes it eyes, and lowers its head to the ground. It is a voracious predator of cutworms, which cause extensive crop damage.Facts about Great Plains Toad
Ten Facts about Great Plains Toad
- It can grow to anywhere between 2 and 4.5 in (5.1 and 11 cm) in length.
- Its primary diet is various species of cutworms.
- It prefers grassland habitat with loose soil that is easy to burrow in.
- Breeding occurs throughout the spring and summer months, most often immediately after heavy rainfall.
- It has a very loud, harsh mating call.
- They can be found easily in Great Plains from southern Alberta and south; southwestern U.S.
- Call is a very loud, high-pitched clatter lasting 5 to 50 seconds.
- A single female may lay as many as 20,000 eggs.
- Roughly two days after laying the eggs hatch.
- Will not become sexually mature until they are 3-5 years old.
