Introduction

Although frogs and toads appear to be the same, they are not. There are several physical distinctions, such as skin color, body shape, and skin texture. Differential behavior is also present. A frog, for example, has to be close to water, but a toad may thrive further away. Toads hop lower than frogs. You should be able to differentiate a toad from a frog with some careful observation.

Investigating Physical Characteristics

Take a look at the back legs. The length of a frog’s legs can be used to distinguish it from a toad. Get a good look at the rear legs in particular if you can get near enough. [1]

• Because frogs jump more frequently than toads, their rear legs are quite lengthy. The hind legs of a frog will be larger than its head and body.
• Because toads like to crawl, their rear legs will be smaller. The length of their rear legs will be shorter than the length of their heads and bodies.

Examine the soles of the feet. Because they spend the most of their lives in water, frogs have webbed feet. Webbed rear feet are common, and some have webbed front feet as well. A frog’s feet may also have sticky pads. Toads’ feet are usually not webbed and lack pads. [2]

Think about the form. The look of frogs is slim and sporty. Toads, on the other hand, are stubbier and shorter than frogs. [3]

• A skinny amphibian with extended limbs is almost certainly a frog.
• A toad is a diminutive, fat amphibian with tiny legs.

Pay attention to the skin. The skin of a frog is much smoother than that of a toad. The skin of a toad will seem rough. [4] A toad’s skin may appear to be covered with warts, whereas a frog’s is smooth and springy.

Take a look at the hue. Frogs are often paler in color than toads. They have a greener appearance. While toads have a greenish skin tone, they are often darker than frogs. [5]

• Toads appear in a variety of colors, ranging from dark green to olive green.
• Frogs are more yellowish and brighter in color than other animals. Frogs can be yellow or olive in hue.
• However, don’t rely just on color. Because some frogs have a brownish green color, you should always examine other variables.

Taking Behavior into Account

Keep an eye on how the animal jumps. Frogs and toads both leap. Frogs, on the other hand, jump far more frequently and much higher. [6]

• Frogs can jump quite high and over long distances.
• Toads have a limited range of motion and can’t jump very far.

Keep an eye on the animal to see whether it ever crawls. Crawling toads are far more common than hopping toads. A toad’s primary mode of mobility is crawling. A frog creeping is an unusual sight. A toad is the most probable animal to be creeping. [7]

• Always keep in mind that a wounded frog could crawl.

Take into account where you discovered the animal. Toads may spend a lot of time on land, however frogs need to be near water to thrive. [8] A frog is a type of animal that like to dwell near water. It’s most likely a toad if you encounter an animal far away from water. A frog is unlikely to go far from a water source. [9]

Frogs and Toads: How to Avoid Problems

Reduce the amount of noise made by frogs by dimming your lights. Frogs, especially while they’re reproducing, may make a lot of noise at night. Insects are eaten by frogs, and bright lights might bring insects to your home. Frogs may congregate in your yard as a result of this. [10]

• At night, turn off lights such as your porch light.
• You may also use curtains at night to prevent pests from drawing light from inside your home.

Frogs and toads should not be approached by dogs. Dogs may be poisoned by certain frogs and toads. Toxins that are harmful to dogs may be released if a dog picks up a toad in its mouth. If you notice your dog carrying a toad, take him to the veterinarian right away. This is a life-threatening situation. [11]

• Excessive drooling, pawing at the lips or eyes, convulsions, trouble breathing, and unsteady movement are all signs of toad toxicity.
• If your pet exhibits any of these signs, get medical attention right away.

After touching frogs or toads, wash your hands. Avoid touching wild animals in general. However, if you come into contact with a frog or toad, wash your hands immediately. [12] Make sure a small child washes their hands after picking up a frog or toad.

Wild frogs and toads should not be kept as pets. Keeping a wild animal as a pet is never a smart idea. Frogs and toads in the wild aren’t bred in captivity, therefore they won’t take well to being caught. They might potentially be carriers of illnesses. If you wish to keep a frog or toad as a pet, go to your nearest pet store.

Take appropriate care of a pet toad or frog. Frogs and toads are sold as pets at pet stores. If you wish to keep a frog or toad as a pet, be sure you take adequate care of it. Make sure your pet has the necessary surroundings and shelter. [13]

• Every day, you’ll have to clean your frog or toad’s tank. A frog or toad’s health might be jeopardized by dirty tanks.
• Toads and frogs require a diverse diet. You can buy crickets and mealworms at a pet store, but your frog or toad will require a lot of different insects to thrive. You will also need to feed grasshoppers, snails, and silkworms to a frog or toad.
• If you have a reptile or amphibian as a pet, don’t touch it too much. Even one purchased from a pet store has the potential to transmit illnesses. Do not kiss or embrace a pet frog or toad, wash your hands after handling them, and do not clean their cage in your bathroom or kitchen.

References

1. Morris, P., & @. (2021, April 27). How To Tell the Difference Between Frogs And Toads | BBC Wildlife – Discover Wildlife. Discover Wildlife. http://www.discoverwildlife.com/british-wildlife/how-tell-difference-between-frog-and-toad.
2. S. (2011, March 16). What’s the Difference Between a Frog And a Toad? | Frogs Are Green. Frogs Are Green | Environmental Organization Helping to Bring Awareness About Frog Decline Around The World. http://frogsaregreen.org/whats-the-difference-between-a-frog-and-a-toad/.
3. S. (2011, March 16). What’s the Difference Between a Frog And a Toad? | Frogs Are Green. Frogs Are Green | Environmental Organization Helping to Bring Awareness About Frog Decline Around The World. http://frogsaregreen.org/whats-the-difference-between-a-frog-and-a-toad/.
4. Audra Barrios. Marine Biologist & Reptile Specialist. Expert Interview. 18 August 2020.
5. Morris, P., & @. (2021, April 27). How To Tell the Difference Between Frogs And Toads | BBC Wildlife – Discover Wildlife. Discover Wildlife. http://www.discoverwildlife.com/british-wildlife/how-tell-difference-between-frog-and-toad.
6. Frog Facts – Frogs Vs. Toads. (n.d.). Frog Facts – Frogs vs. Toads. http://www.kidzone.ws/lw/frogs/facts8.htm.
7. Morris, P., & @. (2021, April 27). How To Tell the Difference Between Frogs And Toads | BBC Wildlife – Discover Wildlife. Discover Wildlife. http://www.discoverwildlife.com/british-wildlife/how-tell-difference-between-frog-and-toad.
8. Audra Barrios. Marine Biologist & Reptile Specialist. Expert Interview. 18 August 2020.
9. Frog Facts – Frogs Vs. Toads. (n.d.). Frog Facts – Frogs vs. Toads. http://www.kidzone.ws/lw/frogs/facts8.htm.
10. And Conservation, W. E. (n.d.). Wildlife Ecology And Conservation – University Of Florida, Institute Of Food And Agricultural Sciences – UF/IFAS. Wildlife Ecology and Conservation – University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences – UF/IFAS. http://www.wec.ufl.edu/extension/wildlife_info/faq/frogstoads.php.
11. Toad Venom Toxicosis In Dogs | PetMD. (2010, October 5). Toad Venom Toxicosis in Dogs | PetMD. http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/toxicity/c_dg_toad_venom_toxicosis.
12. And Conservation, W. E. (n.d.). Wildlife Ecology And Conservation – University Of Florida, Institute Of Food And Agricultural Sciences – UF/IFAS. Wildlife Ecology and Conservation – University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences – UF/IFAS. http://www.wec.ufl.edu/extension/wildlife_info/faq/frogstoads.php.
13. Indiviglio, F. (2014, June 22). Pet Frogs & Toads: Five Things To Consider | That Reptile Blog. That Reptile Blog. http://blogs.thatpetplace.com/thatreptileblog/2014/06/22/frogs-toads-make-good-pets-five-points-consider-buying/#.V-W2NaIrJPM.
14. Audra Barrios. Marine Biologist & Reptile Specialist. Expert Interview. 18 August 2020.