Common Toad

The Common Toad is surrounded by a wealth of folklore and superstition. It can alter the tone of its skin to suit its surroundings. The upper surface may be brown, greenish or grey and occasionally features dark markings. Females are often more reddish or brown than males. The underside is typically white or grey and the eye which has a horizontal pupil is copper in colour. The most obvious feature that distinguishes this species from the Common Frog is its warty skin. These dark warts secrete powerful toxins when the Common Toad is harassed and potential predators soon learn to avoid them.

Common Toads have a very wide distribution throughout Europe and in the UK they are only uncommon in northern Scotland. Although they are common and widespread in the UK, it is likely that habitat loss, particularly the drainage of wetlands, has affected populations.They are largely nocturnal and can be found in a broad variety of habitats including gardens. Large water bodies are required for good populations and optimal habitats seem to be woodland, scrub and rough grasslands.

Common Toads have a broad diet and feed on a huge range of prey small enough to swallow, including insects, spiders, earwigs, earthworms, snails and slugs. They are usually welcomed by gardeners due to their voracious appetites for many garden pests.

Date: 5th June 2006

Location: Lochdon-Grasspoint, Mull, Argyll