The Oak Toad 



eyes and those extending backward to the parotoid glands are 

 well marked. (Fig. 101.) The inner sole tubercle is fairly large, 

 considering the diminutive size of the foot. The outer tubercle is 

 small. The webs are very short. (Fig. 106.) 



Range: Bufo quercicus has been reported from North Car- 

 olina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. 1 



This is said to be the smallest known toad. It is a little, 

 dusky, hopping creature, which has probably been mistaken many 

 times for the young of Bufo lentiginosus, the Southern toad. It 

 is so small that we need a lens in order even to make out many of 

 the details of its appearance. This is especially true of the crests 

 of the head. They are obscure not only because of their small 

 size, but'also because of their dusky colour and the warty condition 

 of the surrounding surface. 



The eye has a shining golden iris. Its expression indicates 

 much alertness. The ear is round and conspicuous, although it is 

 much smaller than the eye. 



It is said 2 that this toad may be seen in all kinds of places 

 and at all times of day; that it is out during the brighest sun- 

 shine as well as at dusk and after rains. It was first found in 

 sandy places, where there were low growths of oak hence its 

 name, "Oak Toad." 



After heavy rains, Oak Toads resort in large numbers to 

 shallow pools. They are difficult to see, but give notice of their 

 presence by an ear-splitting chorus of high-pitched sounds. 3 The 

 individual call is like that of a young chicken in distress, but con- 

 siderably louder. The male alone gives the call, and while pro- 

 ducing it seems to have in his mouth a transparent bladder about 

 the size of a man's thumb. The fact is that this toad has a large 

 vocal bladder that can be extended from the midline of the lower 

 throat region. This structure relates it to Bufo compadilis and 

 Bufo cognatus of the Southwest. (See Figs. 97 and 100.) 



1 Beaufort and Kinston, N. C.; Charleston, S. C.; Green Cove>prings, Little Sarasota Bay, 

 Arlington, Milton, Oakland, Ozona, and Kissimee, Fla. 



2 Loennberg. Notes on Reptiles and Batrachians collected in Florida in 1892 and 1893. 

 Proc. U. S. Nat. Museum, vol. XVII, pp. 317, 339. 



3 C. B Lungren, collector. Ozona, Fla. 



105 



