The oak toad (Anaxyrus quercicus) is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae. It is endemic to the coastal regions of southeastern United States. [2][3] It is regarded as the smallest species of toad in North America, with a length of 19 to 33 mm (0.75 to 1.30 in). [3]

It is endemic to the coastal regions of southeastern United States. It is regarded as the smallest species of toad in North America, with a length of 19 to 33 mm (0.75 to 1.3 in). Males arrive before females at shallow, semi-permanent or temporary ponds, and roadside drainage ditches.

They can be identified by their light mid-dorsal stripe, variable brown and black spots, and proportionally large parotoid glands. Oak toads, unlike most toad species, are usually active during the day. They can be found in southern pine forests by turning over logs and other woodland debris.

(formerly Bufo quercicus) Description and Size: The oak toad is the smallest toad in the U.S., reaching a length of approximately 1.5 inches. Their backs range in color from dark brown to light gray and they will frequently have 3 or 4 pairs of dark spots.

Anaxyrus quer­ci­cus is the small­est toad species in North Amer­ica, rang­ing from 1.9 to 3.3 cm. It is so small that adults found in the wild were com­monly clas­si­fied as “half-grown” or “ju­ve­nile” south­ern toads (Bufo lentig­i­nosus).

The oak toad is the only species of Anaxyrus (formerly Bufo) not known to hybridize. If the toad: Has only one or two large warts in each of the largest dorsal dark spots. Has dark spots on the chest and anterior part of the abdomen. Has enlarged warts on the tibia.

Most of our amphibians are crepuscular or nocturnal, and the Southern Toad (Bufo terrestris) is no exception. Photo: Richard Covey. Spread the word. It’s the least you can do. Common amphibians heard and seen around Beidler Forest.

Mar 14, 2025 · Identifying a Bufo: A Comprehensive Guide to True Toads. So, you’ve spotted a toad, and you’re wondering if it’s a Bufo, sometimes called a cane toad, giant toad, or marine toad. How do you tell? The key lies in a combination of physical characteristics, behavior, and location. Here’s a breakdown:

Bufo quercicus Holbrook, 1840, N. Am. Herpetol., 4: 109. Type (s): Frog illustrated in pl. 22; not known to still exist. Type localities: "near Charleston in South Carolina, and at Smithville in North Carolina"; restricted to "Charleston, South Carolina", USA, by Schmidt, 1953, Check List N. Am. Amph. Rept., Ed. 6: 65.

U.S.FWS Species profile about species listing status, federal register publications, recovery, critical habitat, conservation planning, petitions, and life history