#spiny toad

[toadschooled]

A young spiny toad [Bufo spinosus] is cradled like a precious jewel for photographer Ana Coelho in Mafra, Portugal. Though it may be small now, this species regularly exceed 3 inches in body length, with some females even exceeding 7 inches. 

[toadschooled]

This pretty and round lady is a spiny toad [Bufo spinosus], found in Cadiz, Spain, by photographer David Barros Cardona. This species is closely related to the European common toad [Bufo bufo], but is found only in the Iberian Peninsula, southern France, and areas of North Africa. 

[toadschooled]

Sorry for interrupting your soak, ma’am. This spiny toad [Bufo spinosus] was found taking a dip in Saint-Remy-de-Provence, France, by photographer Antoine Coquis. 

[toadschooled]

Check out the fiery eyes on this spiny toad [Bufo spinosus] found in Bretagne, France, by photographer Pierre Corbrion. Fun fact, the French name for this toad is “le crapaud épineux”; so, if you’re ever in France, you know exactly what to ask for. 

[toadschooled]

Who’s that peeking out from behind the rocks? Why, it’s a young spiny toad [Bufo spinosus]! Native to the Iberian Peninsula and it’s surrounding areas, these toads are closely related to the European common toad, and reach a similarly impressive size as adults. This individual was found in Porto de Mos, Portugal, by photographer Paulo Lopes.

[toadschooled]

A male spiny toad [Bufo spinosus] with an unusual right eye, possibly the result of a mutation or injury. Although obviously not ideal, it is very common to find toads getting along just fine with only one eye in the wild. This specimen was found in France by Duborget Robin.

[toadschooled]

This quarter pounder is a Spiny toad [Bufo spinosus], a species often mistaken for the European common toad, as their ranges overlap. Genetic sequencing has even shown that these two species hybridize. Spiny toads can be differentiated from European common toads by their bright red eyes and more widely spaced parotoid glands. This specimen was found in Portugal by Andre Saraiva.

[toadschooled]

This pretty lady is a spiny toad [Bufo spinosus], a species which ranges from northwestern Africa to the Iberian Peninsula, and into parts of southwestern France. These toads are primarily nocturnal, and burrow during the day to escape the dry conditions of their environment. Although still quite common and widespread, they have had population declines due to human advancement into their territory. Image by Alonso Navarro.