Frogs and toads are two separate groups of amphibians that share many similarities but also have distinct differences.
Frogs belong to the order Anura and are characterized by their long hind legs, webbed feet, and smooth, moist skin. They have a slender body shape with a waistline that enables them to jump and swim swiftly. Frogs usually have bulging eyes and a prominent eardrum or tympanum on the sides of their head. They are known for their ability to produce loud, distinctive croaking sounds during mating season. Frogs have a diverse range of colors and patterns, which can serve as a method of camouflage or warning signals against predators.
Toads, on the other hand, are members of the family Bufonidae, and they belong to the order Anura as well. They are characterized by their stout body shape, shorter hind legs, and dry, bumpy skin. Toads lack the webbing between their toes found in frogs, as they are better adapted to terrestrial habitats. They have less prominent eyes compared to frogs and lack a visible eardrum. Unlike frogs, toads have a slower, hopping movement rather than a long, leaping jump. Toads secrete toxins from their skin, which act as a defense mechanism against predators. These toxins can vary in potency, ranging from mild irritants to highly poisonous compounds.
Overall, frogs and toads are both semiaquatic, cold-blooded amphibians that undergo metamorphosis from tadpoles to adults. They play important roles in ecosystems as insectivores, consuming a wide variety of insects and invertebrates while providing a food source for larger predators.
