Bufo quercicus
oak toad

Oak toads are found in the coastal plains of the southeastern United States. They are found from the southern tip of Florida to the southern portion of Virginia and to parts of eastern Louisiana. ("The Pelican Post", 2004; Anonymous, 2000; Behler, 1979)

Oak toads are generally found in moist, grassy areas near pine or oak savannahs with sandy soil. They are also found in vernal pools and freshwater wetlands. They breed in shallow pools, ditches, and ponds. (Behler, 1979; Knapp, 06/28/03; Wright, 1932)

Bufo quercicus is the smallest toad species in North America, ranging from 1.9 to 3.3 cm. It is so small that adults found in the wild were commonly classified as “half-grown” or “juvenile” southern toads (Bufo lentiginosus). They have a short head with a pointed nose and the short, flat body is black or brown in color (color can change with temperature) with a long dorsal stripe that may be white, cream, yellow, or orange. There are 4 to 5 pairs of dark blotches found on the back. The back is finely tuberculate, with the fine bumps (red, orange or reddish-brown in color) giving it a rough texture. The underside is grayish white and has no blotches, but is covered in tubercles. Oak toads have elongated, teardrop-shaped paratoid glands that extend down either side. These glands house a poisonous fluid used deter predators. Males can be distinguished by their dark, dusky colored throats. (Anonymous, 2004; Dickerson, 1969; Knapp, 06/28/03; Wright, 1932)

In the span of two months, tadpoles hatch from their eggs and go through metamorphosis, becoming adult toads. Tadpoles have a grayish olive or grape green color to the body due to close set dots against a black background. The underside has a pale purplish color. the tail has 6-7 black saddles (coloration that wraps around the tail to a degree). Juvenile toads remain near the natal pond for a few days before moving to land, where they will spend the majority of their time. (Anonymous, 2004; Wright, 1932)

Oak toad lifespans are not well known.

Oak toads are active during the day, but occasionally they are found at night taking part in breeding choruses. Outside of the breeding season, oak toads are solitary. They spend most of the day buried in the sand or hiding under leaves or rocks. (Behler, 1979; Dickerson, 1969)

Male oak toads make a high-pitched, bird-like chirping calls to attract females. Oak toads perceive their environment through visual, auditory, tactile, and chemical senses. ("The Pelican Post", 2004; Behler, 1979; Dickerson, 1969; Wright, 1932)

Oak toads are predaceous and feed primarily on terrestrial insects and other small arthropods. (Knapp, 06/28/03; Wright, 1932)

The primary predators of oak toads are snakes, particularly hognosed snakes (Heterodon platirhinos), specialized for eating toads. Other predators of oak toads are garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) and gopher frogs (Rana capito). (Behler, 1979; Wright, 1932)

Although smaller than other toads, the Oak Toad still plays a crucial role in insect population control. (Behler, 1979)

There are no known negative impacts of oak toads on humans.

Oak toads help control population levels of insects and other small arthropods.

Oak toad populations are declining throughout many states. In Virginia it is listed as a species of special concern (one that is not yet threatened but is expected to be in the near future). Also, in North Carolina, it is on the watch list for species that may be facing problems in the near future. A possible cause for decreases in oak toad populations is the clearing of the savannah forest habitats they prefer. (Anonymous, 2000)