Puddle Fact: The Grey Heron stands at nearly 100cm tall!
What is the difference between a frog and a toad?
Frogs and toads were one of the first critters to inhabit The Puddle and are similar in many ways, but there are also several differences between them. Below are 10 differences between a typical frog and a toad that you might find in the UK:
Skin Texture
- Frogs usually have smooth, moist skin.
- Toads have rough, warty skin that appears dry.
Colouration
- Frogs tend to have bright and smooth skin, often with vibrant patterns.
- Toads often have duller, earth-toned skin, which helps with camouflage.
Habitat
- Frogs are more likely to be found in or near water, as they require a moist environment.
- Toads are better adapted to drier habitats and can be found farther from water sources.
Jumping Ability
- Frogs are excellent jumpers due to their long, powerful hind legs.
- Toads have shorter hind legs and are not as proficient at jumping.
Toxicity
- Some toad species secrete toxins from glands on their skin as a defence mechanism.
- Frogs are generally not as toxic as toads, although there are exceptions.
Eyes
- Frogs typically have bulging, protruding eyes.
- Toads have slightly recessed, often gold or copper-coloured eyes.
Movement
- Frogs move by hopping and swimming.
- Toads move with a more leisurely walk or short hops.
Diet
- Both frogs and toads are carnivorous, but frogs tend to have a more varied diet, including insects, small invertebrates, and even smaller frogs.
- Toads often have a diet focused on insects, worms, and other small invertebrates.
Reproduction
- Frogs usually lay their eggs in clusters or masses in the water.
- Toads lay their eggs in long, string-like chains.
Sound
- Frogs are known for their vocalisations and can produce a variety of calls, including ribbits, croaks, and chirps.
- Toads are generally less vocal and produce a more limited range of calls, often resembling a high-pitched trill or a prolonged croak.
It's important to note that there is a wide variety of frog and toad species, and not all of them will exhibit all these differences. Additionally, some species may blur the lines between these distinctions. These differences are generalisations that can help distinguish between typical frogs and toads in the UK.
