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Description

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Anaxyrus quercicus is a very small toad with a maximum snout-vent length of 32 mm. The head is short with a pointed snout. Dorsal coloration is brown to silver grey with a cream to orange colored mid- dorsal stripe. There are 4-5 dark unconnected blotches on either side of this stripe. The ventral side is granular and cream colored. There is black banding on the arms and legs. The parotoids are tear-shaped, and descend on the sides to the inferior edge of the tympanum.

Reference

Ashton, R. E., Jr. and Franz, R. (1963). ''Bufo quercicus.'' Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles. American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, 222.1-222.2.

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Distribution and Habitat

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Distribution is restricted to the southeastern region of the United States: east and south of the Fall Line and east of the Mississippi River.
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Habitat

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Oak toads are generally found in moist, grassy areas near pine or oak savannahs with sandy soil. They are also found in vernal pools and freshwater wetlands. They breed in shallow pools, ditches, and ponds.

Habitat Regions: temperate ; terrestrial ; freshwater

Terrestrial Biomes: savanna or grassland ; forest

Aquatic Biomes: lakes and ponds; rivers and streams; temporary pools

Wetlands: marsh

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Buckley, R. 2006. "Anaxyrus quercicus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Anaxyrus_quercicus.html
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Ryan Buckley, Kalamazoo College
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Ann Fraser, Kalamazoo College
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Tanya Dewey, Animal Diversity Web
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Associations

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The primary predators of oak toads are snakes, particularly hognosed snakes (Heterodon platirhinos), specialized for eating toads. Other predators of oak toads are garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) and gopher frogs (Lithobates capito).

Known Predators:

  • hognosed snakes (Heterodon platirhinos)
  • garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis)
  • gopher frogs (Lithobates capito)

Anti-predator Adaptations: cryptic

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Buckley, R. 2006. "Anaxyrus quercicus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Anaxyrus_quercicus.html
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Ryan Buckley, Kalamazoo College
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Ann Fraser, Kalamazoo College
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Tanya Dewey, Animal Diversity Web
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Morphology

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Anaxyrus quercicus is the smallest toad species in North America, ranging from 1.9 to 3.3 cm. It is so small that adults found in the wild were commonly classified as “half-grown” or “juvenile” southern toads (Bufo lentiginosus). They have a short head with a pointed nose and the short, flat body is black or brown in color (color can change with temperature) with a long dorsal stripe that may be white, cream, yellow, or orange. There are 4 to 5 pairs of dark blotches found on the back. The back is finely tuberculate, with the fine bumps (red, orange or reddish-brown in color) giving it a rough texture. The underside is grayish white and has no blotches, but is covered in tubercles. Oak toads have elongated, teardrop-shaped paratoid glands that extend down either side. These glands house a poisonous fluid used deter predators. Males can be distinguished by their dark, dusky colored throats.

Range length: 19 to 33 mm.

Other Physical Features: ectothermic ; heterothermic ; bilateral symmetry ; poisonous

Sexual Dimorphism: female larger; sexes shaped differently

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Buckley, R. 2006. "Anaxyrus quercicus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Anaxyrus_quercicus.html
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Ryan Buckley, Kalamazoo College
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Ann Fraser, Kalamazoo College
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Tanya Dewey, Animal Diversity Web
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Life Expectancy

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Oak toad lifespans are not well known.

Average lifespan
Status: captivity:
1.9 years.

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Buckley, R. 2006. "Anaxyrus quercicus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Anaxyrus_quercicus.html
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Ryan Buckley, Kalamazoo College
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Ann Fraser, Kalamazoo College
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Tanya Dewey, Animal Diversity Web
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Behavior

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Male oak toads make a high-pitched, bird-like chirping calls to attract females. Oak toads perceive their environment through visual, auditory, tactile, and chemical senses.

Communication Channels: acoustic

Other Communication Modes: choruses

Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical

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Buckley, R. 2006. "Anaxyrus quercicus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Anaxyrus_quercicus.html
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Ryan Buckley, Kalamazoo College
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Ann Fraser, Kalamazoo College
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Tanya Dewey, Animal Diversity Web
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Distribution

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Oak toads are found in the coastal plains of the southeastern United States. They are found from the southern tip of Florida to the southern portion of Virginia and to parts of eastern Louisiana.

Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )

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Buckley, R. 2006. "Anaxyrus quercicus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Anaxyrus_quercicus.html
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Ryan Buckley, Kalamazoo College
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Ann Fraser, Kalamazoo College
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Tanya Dewey, Animal Diversity Web
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Trophic Strategy

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Oak toads are predaceous and feed primarily on terrestrial insects and other small arthropods.

Animal Foods: insects; terrestrial non-insect arthropods

Primary Diet: carnivore (Insectivore , Eats non-insect arthropods)

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Buckley, R. 2006. "Anaxyrus quercicus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Anaxyrus_quercicus.html
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Ryan Buckley, Kalamazoo College
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Ann Fraser, Kalamazoo College
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Tanya Dewey, Animal Diversity Web
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Associations

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Although smaller than other toads, the Oak Toad still plays a crucial role in insect population control.

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Buckley, R. 2006. "Anaxyrus quercicus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Anaxyrus_quercicus.html
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Ryan Buckley, Kalamazoo College
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Ann Fraser, Kalamazoo College
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Tanya Dewey, Animal Diversity Web
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Benefits

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Oak toads help control population levels of insects and other small arthropods.

Positive Impacts: controls pest population

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Buckley, R. 2006. "Anaxyrus quercicus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Anaxyrus_quercicus.html
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Ryan Buckley, Kalamazoo College
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Ann Fraser, Kalamazoo College
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Tanya Dewey, Animal Diversity Web
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Benefits

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There are no known negative impacts of oak toads on humans.

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Buckley, R. 2006. "Anaxyrus quercicus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Anaxyrus_quercicus.html
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Ryan Buckley, Kalamazoo College
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Ann Fraser, Kalamazoo College
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Tanya Dewey, Animal Diversity Web
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Life Cycle

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In the span of two months, tadpoles hatch from their eggs and go through metamorphosis, becoming adult toads. Tadpoles have a grayish olive or grape green color to the body due to close set dots against a black background. The underside has a pale purplish color. the tail has 6-7 black saddles (coloration that wraps around the tail to a degree). Juvenile toads remain near the natal pond for a few days before moving to land, where they will spend the majority of their time.

Development - Life Cycle: metamorphosis

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Buckley, R. 2006. "Anaxyrus quercicus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Anaxyrus_quercicus.html
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Ryan Buckley, Kalamazoo College
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Ann Fraser, Kalamazoo College
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Tanya Dewey, Animal Diversity Web
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Conservation Status

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Oak toad populations are declining throughout many states. In Virginia it is listed as a species of special concern (one that is not yet threatened but is expected to be in the near future). Also, in North Carolina, it is on the watch list for species that may be facing problems in the near future. A possible cause for decreases in oak toad populations is the clearing of the savannah forest habitats they prefer.

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: no special status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

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Buckley, R. 2006. "Anaxyrus quercicus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Anaxyrus_quercicus.html
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Ryan Buckley, Kalamazoo College
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Reproduction

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Males arrive before females at shallow, semi-permanent or temporary ponds, and roadside drainage ditches. At breeding ponds males establish territories and begin calling females with a high-pitched chirp. Approximately 100-250 eggs are laid at a time in long strings, held together by a gelatinous material, and either float or stick to surfaces. Fertilization takes place externally when the male frog releases his sperm in the vicinity of the eggs. In the case of a testicular malfunction, male oak toads have an ovary that will become functional, allowing them to breed as females.

Mating System: polygynandrous (promiscuous)

Male and female oak toads form a pair when the male grabs onto the female from behind in a position referred to as amplexus. The male stays attached to the female until she releases her eggs into the water. The female emits several eggs and then the male releases sperm into the water. The female will continue to release eggs. The eggs are released in bars containing 4-6 eggs apiece. Each female will lay about 700 eggs in total in a single season. These eggs will hatch within 3 to 3.5 days and develop into adult oak toads within 2 months.

Breeding interval: Oak toads are seasonal breeders and breeds once per year.

Breeding season: Oak toads breed from April to September or October. The mating season often begins with the arrival of warmer temperatures and thunderstorms. The interval of ovulation is approximately late May-mid August.

Average number of offspring: 700.

Range time to hatching: 72 to 80 hours.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 2 months.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 2 months.

Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization (External ); oviparous

The extent of female energy investment is great during the ovulation and mating periods, as many females are found dead during these periods due to either the rigors of pair formation or energy investment in the laying of eggs. Once the eggs are fertilized and attached to a surface, there is no further parental care.

Parental Investment: no parental involvement; pre-fertilization (Provisioning)

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Buckley, R. 2006. "Anaxyrus quercicus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Anaxyrus_quercicus.html
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Ryan Buckley, Kalamazoo College
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Ann Fraser, Kalamazoo College
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Tanya Dewey, Animal Diversity Web
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Oak toad

provided by wikipedia EN

The oak toad (Anaxyrus quercicus) is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae. It is endemic to the coastal regions of southeastern United States.[2][3] It is regarded as the smallest species of toad in North America, with a length of 19 to 33 mm (0.75 to 1.30 in).[3]

Description

The oak toad can be identified by its light mid-dorsal stripe, variable brown and black spots, and proportionally large parotoid glands. One of the most remarkable features of this species is its small adult size relative to other toads.

Adult male (left), female (right). Note the sharply contrasted ventral surface, the vocal sac on the male's throat, and the female's larger size.

The male can be distinguished from the female by his clear white belly and a slightly distended, loose flap of skin beneath the mouth, which expands into the vocal sac. The female has a dark-spotted belly and lacks a vocal sac.

Habitat and distribution

The oak toad is native to the coastal regions of the southeastern United States, ranging from eastern Louisiana to southeast Virginia and south throughout Florida. It is found in a variety of habitats, including sandy pine flatwoods and oak scrub, open pine and pine-oak woods, pine or oak savanna with sandy soils, and maritime forests. Oak toads prefer open-canopied pine flatwoods with grassy ground cover, and they are generally found in moist, grassy areas near pine or oak savannahs with sandy soil. They are also found in vernal pools and freshwater wetlands.[1][4] [5]

Behavior

It is mostly diurnal and spends much of its time burrowed into the loose soil of its habitat. It may remain in its burrow during the winter, often in hibernation.[6] Breeding takes place in shallow pools that accumulate during heavy rains. The male expands his distinctive elongated vocal sac to produce a chirping call. The breeding season extends from April to October, peaking early on.[7][8] Heavy, warm spring rains stimulate mating behavior.[9]

Oak toad tadpole

An average of 300 to 500 eggs are laid in short strands of 3 to 8 eggs each, with each egg about a millimeter wide.[6] The strands are attached to vegetation, usually submerged blades of grass 4 to 12 cm (1.6 to 4.7 in) beneath the surface.[10][11] Energy investment in producing this quantity of eggs is significant, and many females are found dead during the mating season due to the rigors of the process. Fertilization takes place externally, with sperm being released in the vicinity of the eggs. As with other species of toad, the male oak toad has a Bidder's organ, which can become a functional ovary in the event of testicular malfunction.[12][13]

Size comparison. Adult male (left), female (right).
Smallest toad species in North America.

Diet

The oak toad is a small, terrestrial frog that feeds on a variety of insects and other small invertebrates. Its diet consists primarily of ants, beetles, and spiders, as well as other insects and arthropods. The oak toad spends much of its time foraging for food, using its long, sticky tongue to capture prey. The oak toad eats mainly small insects and other arthropods. The adult has a strong preference for ants.[6]

Life cycle

Eggs develop quickly, hatching in a mere 24 to 36 hours.[6] The tadpole reaches a maximum length of 18 to 19.4 mm (0.71 to 0.76 in). It is grayish olive or grape-green dorsally and purplish ventrally. The tail has 6 or 7 black saddle marks.[12][13] The tadpole completes metamorphosis into a juvenile toadlet in 4 to 6 weeks, and it reaches adulthood and sexual maturity at 1.5 to 2.3 years of age.[6] The length of the lifespan is unclear.[3] There are records of specimens living for four years in captivity,[10][12] and the reported average lifespan in captivity is 1.9 years.[14]

Predation

The primary predators of the oak toad are snakes, particularly hognosed snakes, which are specialized for eating toads. Other predators include garter snakes and gopher frogs.[12][15] As with many bufonids, the oak toad inflates its body in unkenreflex when confronted by a potential predator. It secretes toxins from its parotoid glands and urinates when threatened. The male may chirp as a response to predators. Eggs also appear to have some toxic properties.[6]

Conservation

The oak toad is listed as "least concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.[1] It can become rare locally due to habitat replacement by loblolly pine plantations, urbanization and draining of surface water in its preferred wooded habitats.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2021). "Anaxyrus quercicus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T54743A56952440. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T54743A56952440.en. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  2. ^ Frost, Darrel R. (2016). "Anaxyrus quercicus (Holbrook, 1840)". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 30 January 2016.
  3. ^ a b c University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. Retrieved on 21 October 2008.
  4. ^ Oak Toad, Bufo quercicus. Archived 2013-03-01 at the Wayback Machine USGS, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Checklist of Amphibian Species and Identification Guide. Retrieved 30 March 2013.
  5. ^ "Anaxyrus quercicus (Oak Toad)". Animal Diversity Web.
  6. ^ a b c d e f Lannoo, M. Amphibian Declines: The Conservation Status of United States Species. University of California Press. 2000. 432-33.
  7. ^ Harper, F. 1931. A dweller in the piney woods. Science Monthly 32 176–81.
  8. ^ Einem, G. E. and L. D. Ober (1956). "The seasonal behavior of certain Floridian Salientia". Herpetologica. 12 (3): 205–212. JSTOR 3889772.
  9. ^ Wright, A. H. and A. A. Wright. 1949. Handbook of Frogs and Toads of the United States and Canada. Third edition. Comstock Publishing Associates, Ithaca, New York.
  10. ^ a b Ashton, R. E., Jr. and P. S. Ashton. 1988. Handbook of Reptiles and Amphibians of Florida: Part Three: The Amphibians. Windward Publishing, Miami, Florida.
  11. ^ Hamilton, W. J. (1955). "Notes on the ecology of the oak toad in Florida". Herpetologica. 11 (3): 205–210. JSTOR 3889360.
  12. ^ a b c d Wright, A. 1932. Life Histories of the Frogs of Okefinokee Swamp, Georgia: North American Salientia (Anura) No. 2. United States: Cornell University Press.
  13. ^ a b Bufo quercicus. Archived 2007-11-10 at the Wayback Machine Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries. 2004. Retrieved on 20 October 2005.
  14. ^ Bowler, J. K., 1975. Longevity of reptiles and amphibians in N. American collections as of 1 November 1975. Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, Miscellaneous Publications, Herpetological Circular 6 1-32.
  15. ^ Behler, J. 1979. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles & Amphibians. New York: Chanticleer Press, Inc.
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Oak toad: Brief Summary

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The oak toad (Anaxyrus quercicus) is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae. It is endemic to the coastal regions of southeastern United States. It is regarded as the smallest species of toad in North America, with a length of 19 to 33 mm (0.75 to 1.30 in).

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