Great
Plains ToadBody length: 1 3/4 - 4 1/2"
Diet: Insects
Great Plains toads are a classic example of a species which is rarely seen but
may actually be common. Although they occur at Tonto National Monument, at least
in desert areas north of Route 188, Great Plains toads were not detected here
for many years. Like many desert toads, Great Plains toads emerge from underground
almost exclusively during and following summer rains.
Like some other amphibians, some male Great Plains toads exhibit an unusual breeding behavior. Most individuals give loud advertisement calls to attract females to their positions in a pond or stream. Meanwhile, a smaller number of "satellite males", or "cheaters", wait silently nearby. As females approach, the satellite males attempt to intercept and breed with them, effectively stealing them from their more vocal rivals. Research indicates that more than half of all males try this tactic at some point. Evidently, cheaters sometimes win!
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Updated
May 8, 2005