Frogs and toads may look similar, but they are actually quite different creatures. They have several physical differences, for example in the skin, color and conformation of the body. They also manifest distinct behaviors; a frog tends to live near a body of water, for example, while a toad may also reside far away. Frogs also jump higher. By paying attention to the details you should be able to tell them apart.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Examine the Physical Traits
Step 1. Look at the hind legs
You can distinguish these two animals by the length of the limbs. If you can get close enough, try to inspect the hind legs themselves.
- Those of frogs are very long, as these animals jump more often than toads. Also, the legs are thicker in proportion to the head and body.
- Those of a toad are smaller, because the creature tends to walk on the ground, and they are also shorter than the head and body.
Step 2. Examine the feet
Those of the frogs are webbed to allow them to spend most of their life in the water. In some species only the hind feet are webbed, in others even the anterior ones; you may also notice "sucker" bearings. Toads do not typically exhibit these two characteristics.
Step 3. Evaluate the shape
Frogs are more slender and have a more "athletic" appearance; toads, on the other hand, are stockier and shorter.
- A slender amphibian with long limbs is likely a frog.
- A stubby, chubby creature with short legs is usually a toad.
Step 4. Pay attention to the skin
That of the frog is much smoother, while that of the toad has several superficial growths. The frog has smooth rubber-like skin, the toad looks like it's covered in warts.
Step 5. Observe the color
Frogs usually have a lighter color; they are typically bright green, while toads have a tendency to be greenish and darker in color.
- The coloring of the toads ranges in a wide variety of shades, ranging from dark green to olive.
- Frogs are typically yellowish and their skin takes on the lighter shades of various shades of green. Some species may be olive-yellow in color.
- However, you don't have to rely on color alone; always keep other factors in mind as some frogs are greenish-brown in color.
Method 2 of 3: Consider Behavior
Step 1. Observe the style while jumping
Both frogs and toads jump, but the former tend to jump more often and reach greater heights.
- Frogs jump very high and long.
- Toads make small hops and are unable to travel great distances in this way.
Step 2. Be careful if the animal walks on the ground
Toads have a tendency to move this way rather than jump, while you will rarely see a frog move on all fours. If the specimen you spotted walks on the ground, it is likely a toad.
Always consider the other factors as well, for example an injured amphibian may walk and not jump
Step 3. Evaluate where you see the animal
Frogs tend to stay close to bodies of water to survive, while toads spend a lot of time out of the water. A specimen that remains near a water source is probably a frog, an amphibian found far away is usually a toad. It is rare for a frog to wander a considerable distance from the pond.
Method 3 of 3: Avoiding Problems with Frogs and Toads
Step 1. Dim the lights to reduce noise from frogs
These creatures can make a lot of noise during the night, especially during the mating season. They eat insects and these are attracted by the lights of the house; as a result, frogs tend to approach the home garden.
- At night, keep the porch lights off.
- You can also use curtains to prevent the interior light from attracting insects.
Step 2. Keep dogs away from toads and frogs
Some species can be toxic to dogs; if your four-legged friend takes a specimen with his mouth, it can release dangerous toxins. If you notice that your dog has a toad in his mouth, take him to the vet right away, as this is a medical emergency.
- Symptoms of toad toxin poisoning are excessive salivation, seizures, continual paw touching of the mouth or eyes, difficulty in breathing and lack of coordination.
- If your dog is experiencing these complaints, he needs immediate treatment.
Step 3. Wash your hands after touching toads or frogs
Generally speaking, you should avoid touching wild animals; however, if you happen to come into contact with these amphibians, wash your hands immediately.
If a young child catches a toad or frog, make sure they wash their hands immediately afterwards
Step 4. Don't keep these wild creatures as pets
Wild frogs and toads were not bred in captivity and will not lead a happy life after capture; they are also a vehicle for diseases. If you want one of these amphibians as a pet, buy one at the store.
Step 5. Take care of the house frog or toad properly
Pet stores sell these captive-born specimens, and if you want to keep one, you need to make sure you provide all the necessary care. Prepare a suitable environment for the amphibian and build a shelter for it.
- You must clean the reptile house every day, because a dirty environment is the greatest health risk for frogs and toads.
- These creatures need a varied diet. You can buy food from pet stores that is made up of crickets and grubs, but you can also give them many other insects. Try offering the frog or toad snails, grasshoppers, or even silkworms.
- Limit the occasions when you touch the amphibian. Even those bought at the pet store can transmit disease. Wash your hands after handling it and do not clean the reptile house in the bathroom or kitchen. Do not kiss or cuddle the toad or house frog.
