Anaxyrus exsul (Myers, 1942)

Appearance and Common Name

This species, Anaxyrus exsul, commonly called the black toad, has black skin covered in white and tan speckles, with a distinct white midline running down its spine from the head to the rump.

Adult Size

Adult black toads reach approximately 5 centimetres, or 2.0 inches, in length.

Seasonal Activity

They are active during warmer months and spend the winter underground close to their native springs.

Locomotion

Unlike many other toads, this species walks rather than hops, and never travels far from water.

Male Vocal Sac Trait

Male black toads do not have vocal sacs and do not produce a typical advertisement call.

Vocalization Behavior

Instead, they make a small chirping noise that acts as a territorial call when around other males, a trait shared with its close relative the western toad, Anaxyrus boreas.