American Toad Phenophase Definitions

Adult American Toad Image source: E. Stancioff, University of Maine
Adult American Toad
Image source: E. Stancioff, University of Maine

Directions: As you report on phenophase status (Y, N, or ?) on the datasheets, refer to the definitions on this page to find out what you should look for, for each phenophase in each species. For reporting animal abundance, if a specific question is included below the phenophase, choose the best answer to the question. If there is no specific question, enter the number of individual animals you observed in each phenophase.

Activity

How many individuals do you see?

Adults on land: One or more adults are seen at rest or active on land.

Adults in water: One or more adults are seen at rest or active in water.

Adults feeding: One or more adults are seen feeding. If possible, record the name of the species or substance being eaten or describe it in the comments field.

Adult American Toad Image source: A. Shearin, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Adult American Toad
Image source: A. Shearin, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Reproduction

Vocalizing: One or more individuals are heard vocalizing.

What is the intensity of vocalizing?

  • Single calls: There is space between calls and individuals can be counted.
  • Overlapping calls: Calls of individuals can be distinguished but there is some overlapping of calls.
  • Full chorus: Calls are constant and overlapping.

Audio for American Toad Calls: To hear examples of American toad and other amphibian calls, you can visit the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Mating: A female is seen grasped and held by a male.

American Toad Egg Strands Image source: Dr. Carl Brune, Ohio University
American Toad Egg Strands
Image source: Dr. Carl Brune, Ohio University

How many individuals do you see?

Fresh eggs: Eggs are seen being extruded, an egg mass is seen with jelly not expanded to full size, or embryos that are more or less spherical are seen.

How many egg masses do you see?

Development

Dead adults: One or more dead adults are seen, including those found on roads.

How many individuals do you see?