Red Toad

Afrikaans name: Rooiskurwepadda

Red Toads mating

Photo © EcoView - Fotolia.com

Schismaderma carens

The Red Toad can grow to a length of 9 cm. It is found in the north-eastern regions of South Africa. Beyond our borders it is found in many countries up to Kenya.

It has a pinkish coloured back with two dark spots – they are never actually red. Underneath it is speckled. They feed on a variety of invertebrates including moths, crickets, termites, and earthworms. Flying ants appear to be a particular favourite.

The Red Toad favours deeper bodies of water for breeding and might even choose your swimming pool. Compared to frogs the eggs and tadpoles develop quickly and are ready to leave the water much sooner that those of frogs.

They shelter in holes in trees and may be found far from water. In fact, toads generally are not as reliant on water as are frogs. The males have a deep call which they do while floating.

Photo © EcoView - Fotolia.com

References and further reading

Suburban Wildlife in KZN - Author: Dr. Jason Londt - Published: 2009 - Page: 96

The Sandton Field Guide - Author: Sandton Nature Conservation Society - Published: 1982 - Page: 85

Wild About Johannesburg - Author: Duncan Butchart - Published: 1995 - Page: 70

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 256

Sasol First Field Guide to Frogs of Southern Africa - Author: Vincent Carruthers - Published: 2012 - Page: 17

South African Frogs - Author: Passmore & Carruthers - Published: 1979 - Page: 78

Reptiles & Amphibians of Southern Africa - Author: Warren Schmidt - Published: 2006 - Page: 99

Frogs & Frogging in South Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Vincent Carruthers and Louis du Preez - Published: 2011 - Page: 79

Freshwater Life - Author: C. Griffiths, J. Day & M. Picker - Published: 2015 - Page: 70

Frogs & Frogging in South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Vincent Carruthers - Published: 2001 - Page: 77

A complete guide to the Frogs of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: L du Preez & V Carruthers - Published: 2009 - Page: 190

Country Life - Issue 266 - Author: - Published: 2018 - Page: 35

Field Guide to the Frogs & Toads of the Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site - Author: Conradie, Du Preez, Smith and Weldon - Published: 2006 - Page: 24

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