About Sclerophrys capensis Tschudi, 1838
Size
This toad reaches a maximum snout-to-vent length of approximately 120 mm.
Body Build & Skin Texture
It is a characteristically robust, medium-large toad, with wart-like protuberances scattered generously across its dorsal and lateral skin.
Dorsal Base Coloration
Its base color ranges from brown to greyish, with roughly paired dark brown patches positioned on either side of the medial dorsal line.
Head Markings
On the head, the dark patches meet to form a brown chevron on the top of the head, behind and between the eyes; the anterior dorsal skin of the head has no dark brown patches.
Parotoid Gland Structure
Like most typical toads, it has a large parotoid gland behind each eye.
Parotoid Gland Venom
When injured, it releases whitish spots of venom from these parotoid glands, and this venom can be dangerous to domestic dogs if they bite the toad.
Underside Coloration
The underside is whitish; in males, the gular (throat) area is tinted yellow, with a dark blue-black bar located posterior to the gular region.
Geographic Range
Sclerophrys capensis is found in South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, and extreme southern Namibia, and may also occur in extreme southern Botswana, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
Habitat Types
It inhabits fynbos heathland, grassland, dry thicket forest, savanna, and agricultural land.
Breeding Habitat
Breeding occurs in dams, ponds, and pools along slow-moving streams, and the species shows some preference for permanent water bodies.
