Invertebrates, including earthworms and insects. Mating occurs in vernal pools and small ponds in late spring, where string-like masses of eggs are laid loosely attached to submerged vegetation.įound in sandy soil areas near rivers, streams, ponds and lakes. The belly is creamy white usually lacking dark speckles. Generally, three or more “warts” occur with each dark spot on the back. Dorsal coloration is brown or brownish gray with brown or black markings surrounding the warty protuberances on the skin. Published March 2004 by Stackpole Books 1.800.732.3669.Ī medium-sized toad reaching 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6.cm) in length. Animals featured in photographs on this page are from Connecticut.Īudio files from The Calls of Frogs and Toads Hartford, CT: State Geological and Natural History Survey of Connecticut Bulletin 112. Amphibians and Reptiles of Connecticut and Adjacent Regions. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians: Eastern/Central North America. Invertebrates, including insects and earthworms.Ĭonant, R. Typical requirements include sandy soil with leaf litter or other substrate to hide under, and some source of moisture. The species can be found in mixed hardwood forests, or suburban backyards. This American Toad larva from Canaan, Connecticut (at right) is nearly finished with metamorphosis. Egg masses are string-like, rather than clumped. The belly is creamy white with a peppering of dark spots.īreeds in vernal pools and more permanent pools providing habitat is otherwise suitable with a lot of submerged vegetation. The brown spots on the back generally contain 1 or 2 wart-like protuberances. Through public education and continued research, conservation efforts can allow species in danger of extinction to continue to be valued members of the herpetofaunal diversity of Connecticut.Ī brown or brownish gray toad of 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10 cm) in length. Many species have some protection, with a few classified by the state as endangered or threatened. Connecticut’s amphibians and reptiles can even be found high in trees and deep underground.īecause some of these species require such specific habitats, they are threatened with extinction through habitat loss. Some migrate each fall to ancestral hibernation dens and others burrow deep into mud at the bottom of a pond to survive the cold New England winters. Some live in tidal salt marshes, whereas others require cool, clean mountain streams. These species represent a range of habitat needs in addition to diversity of species.Īmphibians and reptiles in Connecticut include species dependent on vernal pools and fragile traprock habitat. There are 23 amphibian and 24 reptile species (not including sea turtles) living wild in Connecticut. Although Connecticut is among the smallest states in the United States, its habitats are diverse.
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