Wildlife Wonderings - Gulf Coast Toad
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Gulf Coast Toad (Incilius valliceps)
As Shakespeare’s witches noted in the play Macbeth, “Paddock calls.” Why, yes, he certainly does. Especially at Jesse Jones Park & Nature Center in the middle of July.
For Wildlife Wonderings on Wednesday, July 15, at 12 p.m., we will take a look at a common amphibian encountered in Jesse Jones Park. The Gulf Coast Toad (Incilius valliceps) is a species of toad native to Texas, eastern and southeastern Mexico and Central America as far south as Costa Rica.
It is a medium-sized toad species, ranging from 1-4 inches in length. Their back varies in color from nearly black, to shades of brown and grey with a distinctive white or yellowish colored stripe down the center, and sometimes lighter colored patches on the sides. Their underside is yellow or cream colored. Their back is covered in small tubercles, while their underside is normally devoid of them.
Incilius valliceps has the most extensive ridging of any toad in its geographic range. The ridges extend from the nose to the back of the head, and with a branch that wraps around the back side of the eye.
The Gulf Coast Toad is found in a wide range of habitats, including open grassland, semi-arid regions, light forest, and even suburban backyards. They are typically found not far from a permanent water source, which they use for breeding in the spring, but they can travel long distances while foraging for food.
Like most toads, the Gulf Coast Toad is an opportunistic carnivore. It will eat almost any small arthropod it is able to overpower and swallow.
This program is free of charge and open to fans of Shakespeare and amphibian enthusiasts of all ages.
As Shakespeare’s witches noted in the play Macbeth, “Paddock calls.” Why, yes, he certainly does. Especially at Jesse Jones Park & Nature Center in the middle of July.
For Wildlife Wonderings on Wednesday, July 15, at 12 p.m., we will take a look at a common amphibian encountered in Jesse Jones Park. The Gulf Coast Toad (Incilius valliceps) is a species of toad native to Texas, eastern and southeastern Mexico and Central America as far south as Costa Rica.
It is a medium-sized toad species, ranging from 1-4 inches in length. Their back varies in color from nearly black, to shades of brown and grey with a distinctive white or yellowish colored stripe down the center, and sometimes lighter colored patches on the sides. Their underside is yellow or cream colored. Their back is covered in small tubercles, while their underside is normally devoid of them.
Incilius valliceps has the most extensive ridging of any toad in its geographic range. The ridges extend from the nose to the back of the head, and with a branch that wraps around the back side of the eye.
The Gulf Coast Toad is found in a wide range of habitats, including open grassland, semi-arid regions, light forest, and even suburban backyards. They are typically found not far from a permanent water source, which they use for breeding in the spring, but they can travel long distances while foraging for food.
Like most toads, the Gulf Coast Toad is an opportunistic carnivore. It will eat almost any small arthropod it is able to overpower and swallow.
This program is free of charge and open to fans of Shakespeare and amphibian enthusiasts of all ages.
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Where is it happening?
20634 Kenswick Dr, Humble, TX, United States, Texas 77338
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherJesse H Jones Park & Nature Center
