Bufo alvarius
Colorado river toad
(Also: Sonoran desert toad)

Bufo alvarius is found in the northern parts of Mexico, the southern parts of Arizona and New Mexico, and the southeast corner of California (Stebbins 1985, Robinson 2001).

The main part of its range is from sea-level to 1600 m (5300 ft). It can be found in a variety of desert and semi-arid habitats: brushy desert with creosote bush and mesquite washes, semi-arid grasslands and woodlands. It is semi-aquatic and is usually associated with large, somewhat permanent

streams. It is occasionally found near small springs, temporary rain pools, human-made canals and irrigation ditches. They frequently live in rodent burrows (Robinson 2001, Mayhew 1968).

Dark olive green color and leathery skin. They are 110-187mm in length. A very large toad with cranial crests, elongate parotid glands, raised warts on hind legs (Robinson 2001).

Bufo alvarius is nocturnal and more aquatic than most toad species. It is a solitary species, until the mating season in the summer months when large groups of toads gather at temporary pools to mate. If the toad is molested or bothered, it can secrete a poison which irritates the mucous membranes of most predators. This poison can affect animals as large as dogs, and can cause temporary paralysis or death (Mayhew 1968, Robinson 2001).

Bufo alvarius is carniverous and is known to eat snails, beetles, spiders, grasshoppers, lizards, mice, and other smaller toad species. A long sticky tongue aids in catching prey (Mayhew 1968).

Control crop pests such as snails (Mayhew 1968).

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