EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Explanation:    This diminutive amphibian is an immature Red-spotted Toad that I found on the sandy soils of Arches National Park in Utah.  Red-spotted Toads inhabit rocky streams and riverbeds within arid habitats of southwestern U.S. and adjacent areas in Mexico.  

The red spots are skin glands, likely rendering it somewhat unpalatable to predators.  Note also the large round parotid glands behind the eyes, the lack of cranial crests, and the flattened head and body, also characteristics of this species.  Immatures have dark spots below and the underside of their feet are yellow.  And no, the red spots are not warts; nor can handling toads give you warts (an urban legend).

Mostly noctural, Red-spotted Toads breed from March through September often after rains, calling from pools and ponds with a high-pitched, clear musical trill.  The species is abundant with a wide distribution, two signs that populations are likely stable with no overall threats to its viability.  

Red-spotted Toads may hybridize with Western Toads and Woodhouse's Toads.  

Information:  A list of references on this species is available at NatureServe.