California
Bufo californicus   photos by Chris Brown, USGS Western Ecological Research Center | |
| Type of Animal: | Amphibians |
|---|---|
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Bufonidae |
| Federal Status: | Endangered |
| State Status: | |
| Occurrence: | |
| Habitat: | Streams |
| Description: | Once considered a subspecies of the Arizona toad, B. microscaphus, B. californicus was elevated to full species status in 1998. They are often found near desert arroyos and washes that provide enough water for them to breed. The breeding season begins in March and extends through July. During this time females can lay thousands of eggs in a tangled string. They lay their eggs among leaves, gravel or sticks at the bottom of quiet parts of clear streams or shallow ponds. These toads forage for food at night. They feed on moths, spiders, slugs, crickets, beetles, and ants. When foraging, arroyo toads walk rather than hop. |
| Effort: | |
| References: | Behler et al. 1979. National Audubon Society Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians. Stebbins 1985. Peterson Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, Second Edition. Zeiner et al. (editors). 1988. California’s Wildlife, Volume I, Amphibians and Reptiles. |
| Other Sites: | Life history account (PDF file - U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service) |
| Field Office(s): | Barstow; Palm Springs |