The Sonoran desert toad (Bufo alvarius), also known as the Colorado River toad, is one of the largest toads found in North America, measuring nearly 7 inches (18 cm).
Appearance
Sonoran desert toads have a uniform green to greenish-gray complexion and a creamy-white underside. At the angle of the jaws, you can see the tubercles, the bumpy "warts" that give toads their rough look. There are also lumps on their hind legs and large parotid glands behind the eyes and the tympanum (the circular external ear).
Diet
These toads are carnivores that love feeding on a variety of insects. They eat spiders, snails, beetles, grasshoppers, mice, small lizards, and other toads as well. While adult toads usually prefer beetles over other species, they don't hesitate to hunt other small vertebrates.
Habitat
As the name suggests, this toad is common in the Sonoran desert in southwestern United States and Mexico. It thrives in oak-pine woodlands, grasslands, desert scrub, thorn scrub, and various parts of deciduous forests in this region. It is also found in semi-aquatic areas near large streams, springs, rain pools, and ditches. In summer, these toads stay inside burrows or rodent holes.
Adaptations
These toads are mostly active during the rainy season, from May to September. In summer, they become nocturnal and come out of their hiding spots only at night. They have a considerably long lifespan of 10 to 20 years. Eggs are laid in pools, and it takes about a week to 10 days for the larvae to metamorphose.
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Do Sonoran Desert Toads Make Good Pets?
While plenty of people want to keep these toads as pets, there is a certain air of mystery (and real controversy) about the species that you need to consider first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sonoran desert toad also called?
The Colorado River toad (Bufo alvarius)
How big does the Sonoran desert toad get?
Nearly 7 inches (18 cm), one of the largest toads in North America
Is the Sonoran desert toad poisonous?
Yes. It secretes a milky-white toxic substance from its parotid glands as a defense. Pets and predators can be seriously harmed if they mouth the toad.
How long does a Sonoran desert toad live?
10 to 20 years
Sonoran desert toads are sometimes held in captivity illegally, and their toxic, milky-white secretion is used in the development of certain drugs. The toads produce these toxins as part of their defense. If a predator tries to eat one of these toads, it ends up with a mouthful of toxins, which can lead to fatal consequences.
Some researchers have explored using low doses of these compounds for medical purposes. This is part of why possession of these toads is considered illegal in many states of the US. With the exception of a few states where you can keep them without special permission, you need proper licences from the authorities to keep these toads as pets. You should contact forest or fishery officers to learn about the laws before deciding to keep one.
The toxins from the Sonoran desert toad are potentially harmful to pets like cats and dogs. If you do keep these toads, make sure your cats and dogs cannot get near them. For humans, the toxin is not harmful on the skin and can be washed away by soap. However, you should make sure it does not come in contact with the eyes or mouth, as that can be very harmful.
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