Hey there! Today, we’re going on an adventure in the backyard to find some cool critters. One of our favorites is a small, shiny, and hoppy animal. Can you guess what it is? That’s right, it’s a frog! We love spotting frogs, and sometimes we find another creature that looks a lot like them. Can you guess what that is? It’s a toad!
Frogs and toads have a lot in common because toads are actually a special type of frog. But there are some easy ways to tell them apart. By the end of this guide, you’ll be a pro at spotting the differences!
First, take a close look at their skin. Frogs have shiny and smooth skin, while toads have thicker, drier-looking, and bumpier skin. Those bumps are a big clue!
If you see two large bumps on the top of their head behind their eyes, those are called paratoid glands. Only toads have them, and they’re filled with poison to protect them from predators.
If you could look inside their mouths, you’d find that some frogs have tiny teeth on the tops of their mouths, but toads don’t have any teeth at all. Frogs use these teeth to hold onto their food before swallowing it whole.
Frogs and toads move differently too. Frogs usually take big leaps, while toads make smaller hops or just walk. This is another easy way to tell them apart!
Frogs have long legs perfect for leaping, while toads have shorter legs for taking smaller steps.
Frogs love to stay close to water. Some, like bullfrogs, spend almost all their time in water. Toads, on the other hand, are happy to live on dry land and only go to water to lay their eggs.
Frogs lay their eggs in big bunches, while toads lay theirs in a chain or line. This is another clue to help you figure out which is which.
Now that you know the differences, let’s play a game! Look at a picture of a critter and use what you’ve learned to guess if it’s a frog or a toad. Check its skin, legs, and where it is. Is it shiny and smooth with long legs? It’s probably a frog! Is it bumpy and on dry land? It’s likely a toad!
Now, get out there and explore! See what kinds of animals you can find where you live. Do you have any frogs or toads nearby? Grab a grown-up and let us know in the comments or send us an email at [email protected]. Happy exploring!
