17 



Fig. 12. Distribution of Pelobates varaldii. 



equidistant between snout and anterior edge of eye. Eyes 

 prominent, their horizontal diameter greater than distance 

 between eye and nostril. Iris yellowish copper or greenish with 

 black spots. Digits with no articular tubercles. Three 

 inconspicuous palmar tubercles. Metatarsal tubercle blackish 

 with whitish base. Skin smooth with small reddish warts on the 

 eyelids and dorsum. Greyish brown dorsum with irregular dark 

 spots. Venter whitish. 



Variation 



Some individuals have the metatarsal tubercle completely 

 keratinized. Some individuals have red spots on the upper 

 eyelid, but these are absent in other individuals. 



Ecology 



This toad is nocturnal and only active in autumn and 

 winter. It spends the day buried in the soil and appears to be 

 confined to sandy soils. Its diet is composed of diverse 

 invertebrates . 



Biology 



Amplexus occurs in the water, and egg-laying takes 5-10 

 min. It breeds in temporary ponds. The eggs are laid in a 

 string 1-1.5 m long. Eggs are dark grey, and each measure 1.15- 

 2 mm in diameter. The larvae hatch at the latest within a week 

 after laying. The tadpoles feed on plankton and detritus. 

 Tadpoles reach 130 mm length. Metamorphosis takes place in May 

 and June, and the young leave the water with stubby tails. 

 Recently metamorphosed individuals measure 21-34 mm SVL . 



Distribution 



Plains of northwestern Morocco (Fig. 12) . 



Bibliography 



