British Reptiles and Amphibians 



a wall or tree, or any convenient hole likely to afford 

 the necessary shelter, for its annual hibernation. 



THE NATTERJACK (Bufo calamita y Plate XVI. 

 on the cover). 



The Natterjack seldom exceeds 3 inches in length. 

 Casually observed, this animal might be mistaken for 

 the Common Toad, although the latter is larger and 

 more massive in form. More closely observed, it will 

 be seen that the Natterjack has rather projecting eyes, 

 somewhat elevated eyelids, and the head proportions 

 are less striking than in the case of the Toad. Unlike 

 the latter, too, the female Natterjack approaches nearer 

 the size of its mate. In colour the Natterjack is light 

 greenish-yellow, inclining somewhat to brown, with 

 irregular green markings over the upper surface. A 

 distinctive feature is the bright yellow line that passes 

 down the centre of the back, although occasionally this 

 mark is absent in some specimens. The under portion 

 of the body is pale or whitish-yellow, with numerous 

 dark specks. 



" The Toad crawls, the Frog leaps, but the Natter- 

 jack runs," This is a popular way to phrase the actions 

 of these amphibians, although it is not scientifically 

 correct. Still, the Natterjack in some quarters has 

 been baptized the " Running Toad " from its rather 

 peculiar method of locomotion, that resembles more of 

 a run than a crawl or hop. From infancy onwards the 

 Natterjack much resembles the Common Toad. 



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