What is the Difference Between Frog and Toad?

Frogs and toads are both amphibians belonging to the order Anura, but they have several differences in their appearance and behavior:

1. Legs: Frogs have long, powerful hind legs made for hopping, while toads have shorter hind legs and prefer to crawl rather than hop.
2. Skin: Frogs have smooth, somewhat slimy skin, while toads have dry, warty skin.
3. Appearance: Frogs have a pointed nose, while toad noses are broader. Frogs typically have big, bulging eyes, while toads' eyes are more subtle in appearance.
4. Spawn: Frog spawn is laid in gooey clumps, whereas toad spawn floats in stringy lengths.
5. Tadpoles: Frog tadpoles are slimmer, while toad tadpoles are chunky. Frog tadpoles are also covered in gold flecks, while toad tadpoles are plain black in color.
6. Habitat: Toads are more adapted to dry conditions and can be found farther away from water, while frogs lose moisture more easily and are usually found closer to water.
7. Poisonous: All toads are poisonous, while frogs are not.
8. Behavior: Frogs are more likely to hop away when approached, while toads may sit still and wait it out or hop shorter distances.

These differences are not absolute, as some species may have atypical features that complicate identification. However, these characteristics can help you differentiate between frogs and toads in most cases.

Comparative Table: Frog vs Toad

Here is a table comparing the differences between frogs and toads:

Please note that these differences are generalizations and may not apply to all frog and toad species, as there are various exceptions and variations within each group.