Description

• Rhinella horribilis, commonly known as the Mesoamerican cane toad, is a large amphibian in the family Bufonidae. It has a stout body, dry, warty skin, short legs, and prominent parotoid glands behind the eyes that produce defensive toxins. Colouration varies from brown and grey to olive, often with darker mottling. It is closely related to the giant cane toad, Rhinella marina, and was formerly included within that species.

Range

• Rhinella horribilis occurs from Mexico through much of Central America into northwestern South America. It is native to Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.

Habitat

• This adaptable toad inhabits tropical dry forests, scrublands, grasslands, agricultural areas, gardens, and urban environments. It often shelters in damp crevices, beneath debris, or in burrows during the day and becomes more active at night, particularly during the rainy season. It breeds in shallow freshwater habitats, including ponds, ditches, and slow-moving streams.

Diet

• Rhinella horribilis is an opportunistic predator that feeds primarily on insects and other invertebrates, including beetles, ants, termites, and earthworms. Larger individuals may also consume small vertebrates and other available prey.