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Reptiles & Amphibians

Is This a Fowler's Toad?

sharingsunshine

13 years ago

We went to a peace orchard and as we entered the retail area I saw a toad in the corner and rescued it, placing it outside under the porch. I got pictures first though and wondered what kind of toad it was. From my ID book it seems it's a Fowler's Toad, but I don't want to publish it as that on my blog if it's not. Can anybody confirm or tell me what it is?

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Comments (2)

danetherton
13 years ago
It looks good from here, but in these cases, you almost always need a locality. Not to be nosy, or anything, but some amphibians live only in certain localities.
With Eastern toads, get a photo from directly overhead, as the "orbital ridge" is sometimes what will tell American (or even Southern) from Fowlers, and in the Midwest, Fowler's becomes Woodhouse!
I suspect though, that from the large spots on the back with more than 3 big warts, and no real large warts on the tibia (shin), that Fowler's is a good call, if you live in the range of Fowler's!
Peterson's is IMHO (Conant and Collins) the best ID guide. This info is from there.
From the size, it is a big mom toad, and she looks like she knows she is beautiful!
sharingsunshine
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you for your reply. I just noticed I wrote a peace orchard rather than a peach orchard. LOL The area is Central Virginia in the Blue Ridge Mts. south of Charlottesville. Fowler's are in our area, but I've never seen one to get a picture of. This is the guide that I was using:
http://is.gd/ZFIRyt

I also have the Audubon field guide, but like the larger one better with huge photos! Haven't seen Peterson's but I like the other Peterson guides I have.

Thank you for your help! I appreciate it!
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