Friday, April 1, 2016

Beebe's Toad, Rhinella beebei (Family Bufonidae)

A low elevation, open habitat species that can be found in agricultural, urbanized, and savanna habitats. It will follow roads into forested areas, but stay in the open habitat at the edge of the road. Like many toads they feed heavily on ants, other insects, and snails. It can be separated from other toads on Trinidad and Tobago by the forward pointing nostrils and the presence of crests on the top of the head. Also, calling males are much smaller than calling male Marine Toads. Males 51 mm, females 61 mm. A toad with cranial crests and ridges, nostrils located on a shelf and directed upward; elongated head with snout extending over jaw; skin covered with small warts. Distribution and Habitats. Trinidad’s lower elevations in open habitats in the Northern and Southern basins; abundant at Aripo Savanna; follow roads into forested areas, but stay in the open habitat at the edge of the road. Life History. Males call from shallow water or land near the water, often ephemeral pools; feeds heavily on ants, other insects, and snails.

Note that this toad has been previously called Rhinella humboldti, a species found west of the Andes.

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