Bufonidse 



inner and upper surfaces of the first and second fingers are hard 

 and horny. 



When it is held in the hand, this toad jerks spasmodically, 

 and vibrates the whole body, as if about to explode with wrath. 

 The only sound, however, produced in protest is a gentle 

 chirping note, less loud and emphatic than that of the American 

 toad. 



Most curious are these large, uncouth creatures, with their 

 great strength of body, their protective rhinoceros-like skins, and 

 their greatly contrasting meek appearance and gentle voice and 

 manner. The question of their survival in contest with other 

 races is a very interesting one. 



Bufo alvarius is said to have habits similar to those of our 

 most common toads. 



BUFO VALLICEPS, WIEGM 



IDENTIFICATION CHARACTERISTICS 



Colour: Variable; often rich brown, with three broad bands 

 of cream colour or yellowish grey extending from the head to the 

 posterior end of the body. The central band is straight; the 

 others are curved, extending from the eyes backward over the 

 parotoids, then downward on the sides, following the lateral out- 

 lines of the body. (Figs. 1 12 and 1 14.) The eye varies between 

 gold and bright coppery red. Light colour along the jaw and 

 over the shoulder. (Fig. 112.) There may be a few irregularly 

 placed black or bright orange spots on the back. Usually, a long 

 and narrow, yellow-bordered spot transversely placed back of the 

 eyes between the bony ridges. Legs and arms may be banded or 

 spotted. Underparts^light or dark, unspotted. (Fig. 113.) (For 

 possible colouration, see Colour Plate V.) 



Measurements: Size large i. e. length 3^ to 5 inches. Head 

 relatively long; a toad 3^ inches long has a length of head of ij 

 inches. Legs short; the length of the leg to the heel scarcely 

 equalling the length of the body forward to the eye. Tibia only 

 slightly longer than the femur. (Fig. 1 14.) Foot short. 



Structure: Skin set closely above and below with small tuber- 

 cles. (Figs. 113 and 114.) The arms and legs are conspicuously 

 tubercular. Even the palms and soles are set close with tubercles. 



1 08 



