Amphibian · GBIF taxon 2421766
Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad
Gastrophryne carolinensisAlso known as Carolina Narrow-Mouthed Toad, Narrowmouth Toad
Eastern narrow-mouthed toads burrow deep into damp soil and leaf litter using their stout hind legs, emerging at night to hunt large quantities of ants. Males call during warm summer thunderstorms, producing a loud nasal bleat resembling the cry of a sheep. Their smooth skin secretes a slippery, sticky slime that helps them escape predators and deters hungry snakes.
NocturnalFossorialAmphibian
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Ants
- Termites
- Small Beetles
Predators
- Garter Snakes
- Ribbon Snakes
- Bullfrogs
ThreatsHabitat destruction, wetland drainage, and heavy pesticide application
HabitatsDamp woodlands, pine flatwoods, moist meadows, and suburban gardens
Life span3 to 6 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAnura
- FamilyMicrohylidae
- GenusGastrophryne
- SpeciesGastrophryne carolinensis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Skin secretions irritate eyes and mucous membranes; wash hands thoroughly if touched.
- Why it is dangerous
- Skin glands release a sticky mucous toxin that causes burning and irritation if rubbed into eyes or open cuts.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a tiny pointed head, teardrop body shape, smooth skin, and a transverse skin fold behind the eyes.
- What to do
- Observe without touching, and wash hands with soap immediately if handling occurs.
Responsible observation
- Listen for Calls: Listen for loud sheep-like nasal bleats after warm summer rainstorms.
- Search Under Cover: Look carefully under rotting logs, stones, and deep leaf litter in damp woods.
Predator Wilson44691 / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative no rights reserved · cc0
Close Relative (c) Ricard Busquets Reverte, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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