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Toads are amphibians, animals that spend the early part of their lives under water (as eggs and tadpoles) and the remainder on land. These nocturnal animals hunt at night and spend the day sheltered in a cool spot. Toads spend less time in the water than frogs. Toads are found all over the world except polar environments and Australia.
Anatomy: Toads have poison glands (called parotids) behind their eyes, a chubby body, and shorter legs than frogs. Toads have no teeth, and most toads have warty skin. The largest toads are over 8 inches (20 cm) long. Females are larger than males.
Life cycle: Like all amphibians, toads must return to the water to lay their eggs. Toad eggs are laid in the water. When they hatch into tadpoles, they breathe with gills and swim using a tail. As they mature, they lose their tail, and they develop lungs for breathing air.
Diet: Toads eat insects and other small animals, catching them with their long, sticky tongue.
