Toads of Zihuatanejo

ORDER ANURA

-True Toads (Family Bufonidae)

-Central American Toads (Genus Incilius)

-Marbled Toad (Incilius marmoreus)

The Marbled Toad is an amphibian found mainly in Central and South America, ranging from Mexico to Argentina. They prefer to live in moist environments, with plenty of leaf litter and vegetation. They mainly feed on small insects and other invertebrates. During mating season males will call out to attract females, and they will lay up to 2000 eggs. Marbled Toads have a dark-brown marbled pattern on their back, and short stubby legs. They are mostly nocturnal creatures, spending their days in burrows or under logs.

Description

• Incilius marmoreus, commonly known as the marbled toad, is an amphibian in the family Bufonidae. It has a stout body, relatively short limbs, and rough, warty skin with marbled patterns of brown, grey, olive, or reddish tones. Prominent parotoid glands behind the eyes produce defensive secretions. Its colouration helps it blend into leaf litter and soil.

Range

• This species is endemic to western Mexico, occurring along the Pacific slope from Sinaloa south through Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima, and Guerrero, with its distribution extending into neighbouring regions. It is native to Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.

Habitat

• Incilius marmoreus inhabits tropical dry forests, thorn scrub, open woodland, and agricultural landscapes. It often shelters beneath rocks, logs, or leaf litter during the day and becomes more active at night, especially during the rainy season. Breeding takes place in temporary pools and other shallow freshwater habitats.

Diet

• This toad is an opportunistic insectivore, feeding mainly on ants, beetles, termites, and other small invertebrates. It uses its sticky tongue to capture prey encountered while foraging on the ground