Plate 046 · snapping up a beetle at night IdentificationFive marks on the plate
- 1Large parotoid gland behind the eye, elongated.
- 2Ridge over the eye low; coppery iris.
- 3Warty skin greenish brown, with darker blotches.
- 4Pale belly without bold markings.
- 5Sticky tongue that shoots forward.
Easily confused with Cururu ToadRhinella diptychaLarger, with very large parotoids; on the Chaco plains. Warty ToadRhinella spinulosaSpiny warts; lives in high valleys and grasslands. 046 / 100 · AMPHIBIANS · BUFONIDAELEAST CONCERN Argentine Toad
Rhinella arenarum
Sapo común · Common Toad
This is the big toad of gardens, roads and forest edges. It comes out at night or after heavy rain and catches ants and beetles with a flick of the tongue. When disturbed, the glands behind its eyes ooze a whitish, toxic fluid.
- Length
- 11 – 14 cm
- Altitude
- lowlands to c. 2,500 m
- Breeding
- spring, in ponds
- Eggs
- in long strings
- Nocturnal
- Toxic glands
- Very common
- Ant eater
Altitude rangeFrom the plains to high valleys
Range in Tucumán (approx.) It is one of the most common amphibians in the province. It occurs on the plains, in the forest and in the high valleys. The upper limit is approximate.
FoodAnts and beetles
- Antsmain prey
- Beetlesmany drawn to lights
- Earthwormsafter rain
- Larvaecaterpillars and grubs
The tadpoles graze algae and plant debris on pond bottoms.
BehaviourPatient and well defended
J F M A M J J A S O N D Breeding in pondsActive - Out at night. It hunts under streetlights and on paths, above all on humid nights.
- Poison in the skin. The parotoid glands secrete a toxin that can sicken dogs that bite it.
- Sits out the cold underground. When it drops below about 10 °C, it digs in and stays inactive.
Where to look in Tucumán- Sierra de San Javier
- Reserva Experimental Horco Molle
- Parque Provincial La Florida
- Tafí del Valle (RP 307)