Cane Toad (Bufo marinus)

Cane toads secrete a toxin when threatened which, if ingested, can cause twitching, vomiting, temporary
paralysis and possibly death. Cane toads were introduced into regions to help control specific insects. This species has out-competed and even preyed on native amphibians, becoming a quite an invasive species. You can see two of our cane toads by visiting Professor Beardsley’s Research Station for a craft or story time.

Description: 

Average weight of 106.25 g, and 6 to 9 inches in length. Has many warts with brown caps, and gray to olive brown skin with a lighter underside. They have a distinguished bony ridge the runs the length of their back.

Habitat: 

Tropical areas. Prefers forests with semi-permanent water.

Range: 

Natural range is from Rio Grande Valley of Texas to Central Amazon and southeast Peru. They have been introduced into many areas (Caribbean Islands, Florida, Hawaiian Islands, and Australia’s east coast) and are considered one of the worst invasive species in the world.

Diet: 

Insectivore ants, beetles, earwigs, dragonflies, grasshoppers and some plant matter.

Life Span: 

8-10 years.

Family Life: 

Males call out to females during mating season. More than one male can fertilize a string of eggs from a single female. After the eggs are fertilized, there is no parental care. Eggs hatch anywhere from 48 hours to an entire week. Tadpoles metamorphose at about 45-55 days into small adults. An individual cane toad can have up to 3,000 offspring in one season.

Status: 

Species of least concern.


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