Common Toad (Bufo bufo)
Common Toads are similar to frogs, and have warty skin, but have distinct bulges behind their eyes, unlike frogs. Common Toads tend to walk rather than jump.They are widespread throughout almost all areas of the Britain.
Habitat
Common Toads spend most of their time on land, only occasionally going into water.
Reproduction
Unlike the Common Frogs, which lay their spawn in clumps, common toads produce strings of spawn, before the black tadpoles emerge. These develop into toadlets in August usually after heavy rain. Common Toads can live for many years, and captive individuals have reached the age of 50!
Behaviour
Common Toads have glands in their skin that contain powerful toxins and would-be predators quickly learn not to attempt to eat toads. These toxins are also present in the skin of the tadpoles, they are able to breed in ponds and lakes containing fish which learn to avoid the distasteful tadpoles. Adults can wander further away from water than Common Frogs as they are far more tolerant of dry conditions.
