Pine toad
A species of Central american toads Scientific name : Incilius occidentalis Genus : Central american toads
Pine toad, A species of Central american toads
Scientific name: Incilius occidentalis
Genus: Central american toads
Content
Description General Info
Photo By pancholinjaime , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The pine toad (Incilius occidentalis, formerly Bufo occidentalis) is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae. It is endemic to Mexico and found on the Central Mexican Plateau.
General Info
Lifespan
7-10 years
Diet
Pine toad is primarily insectivorous, favoring ants and beetles for nourishment. This species exhibits a keen selection for small terrestrial invertebrates, establishing its prominence in its dietary ecosystem.
Appearance
Pine toad is a medium-sized amphibian with smooth, moist skin. Its vibrant colors range from deep-green to olive with splashes of yellow on the underbelly, accentuated by heavy black mottling. Distinctive features include large, bulging eyes and long, muscular hind legs, perfect for hopping. Males have a resonating vocal sac for mating calls. Throughout their life, this amphibian will shift colors as part of a fascinating and noticeable color-changing process.
Behavior
Pine toad predominantly exhibits nocturnal traits, their activity peaking during dusk and dawn. They typically live in seclusion, only interacting during mating seasons. Their habitat is marked by calling, a unique vocalization behavior which also serves as a defensive mechanism. Notably, they hibernate during extreme temperatures optimizing survival.
Population
Stable
Photo By pancholinjaime , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Frogs and toads Family
True toad Genus
Central american toads Species
Pine toad