Bufonidae 



At such a time the underparts are white also. Among the me- 

 dium shades, changes take place rapidly between greys, warm 

 browns, and olive-greens. In each case the light colour of the 

 lengthwise bands harmonizes with the background, so that a pleas- 

 ing colour eflFect is produced. Young specimens may have the 

 throat bright yellow. 



The crests of the head are usually black, even when the head 

 itself is light, but they also may become light in colour on a long 

 enough exposure to sunshine. 



Bufo valliceps is alert and active, but is less wild than most 

 North American species. It is evidently less used to burrowing — 

 as we should judge from its foot structure — and so does not 

 become alarmed when finding itself in a place where there is 

 nothing under which to hide. When annoyed, it gives high- 

 pitched, bird-like notes. There is no appearance of a vocal pouch. 



BUFO PUNCTATUS, BAIRD AND GIRARD 



Identification Characteristics 



Colour: Greyish or reddish brown. Warts tipped with red, 

 and sometimes encircled by black at their bases. Underparts 

 light. Throat of male dusky. Much orange on under surfaces 

 of hands and feet. (For possible colouration, see Colour Plate V.) 



Measurements: Size medium, i.e. length 2 to 3 inches. 

 Length of head enters total length three and a third to three 

 and a half times. Legs short, heels widely separated behind, 

 when toad is in sitting position. Femur largely buried in the 

 skin of the body. Length of leg to heel equals length of body 

 forward to ear or sometimes to eye. 



Structure: Upper parts (head, eyelids, back, and legs) closely 

 set with small tubercles. Head broad, flat, not thick through. 

 Very flat between the eyes, and sharply angled along the canthus 

 rostralis. No bony ridges on top of head (or slight traces of any). 

 A short bony ridge between ear and eye. Nostrils terminal. 

 Eyes set wide apart; eyelids broad, i.e. eye strictly vertical in 

 position. Parotoid gland considerably elevated, but very short 

 (not much longer than eye), rounded or somewhat triangular. 

 Ear distinct, round, half the diameter of the eye. The head is 

 rough, with small granulations. These granulations are promi- 



IIO 



