What Do Texas Toads Need to Survive?

These sizable and sturdy nocturnal amphibians possess coarse skin that is adorned in lots of warts, in classic toad fashion. Their upper bodies are generally brown, grayish green, brownish gray, gray or deep yellowish green mixed with elements of either gray or brown. Their lower bodies, in contrast, are usually off-white or white, sometimes with specks. Texas toads frequently feature greenish blotting on the upper portions of their bodies, specifically over their backs. They typically grow to mature lengths of between roughly 2 and 3.5 inches. Texas toads are near kin to great plains toads (Anaxyrus cognatus).

Texas toads' preferred living environments include grassy plains with lots of mesquite plants, grasslands, agricultural sites, pastures and prairies. They favor dirt that has a sandy and loose texture, as they are adept at burrowing. When the weather is hot out, they cope by going underground and staying low-key for a few months at a time. They sometimes even take up residence in burrows that were established previously by gophers. Some opt for sanctuaries in areas just below stones, too. In terms of breeding locales, Texas toads tend to gravitate toward both creeks and narrow channels.

Texas toads have indeed adjusted well to arid climates, although it's still imperative for them to always be able to retreat to areas that have increased levels of moisture in the air. If they can't find places with lots of humidity, it's important for them to be able to at least get to dirt that's damp. Without sufficient water, inordinate drying -- or desiccation -- inevitably becomes a major hazard for Texas toads.

Texas toads are opportunistic about their eating. If they can access something, they often just eat it. Insects are typical food staples for these amphibians, specifically ants and beetles. They also feed on lots of different arthropods. As nocturnal animals, they eat in the nighttime. Texas toads are particularly enthusiastic about eating right after rainfall.

Fleeing into burrows is how Texas toads generally respond to threats from predators. Major predators for Texas toads of all ages are garter snakes (genus Thamnophis). Tadpoles of the species are big targets of certain turtles and birds, too.