When is a frog a toad?

Writer: Anina Lee.

All toads are frogs, but not all frogs are toads. Let me explain. All frogs, including toads, belong to the order Anura – meaning ‘without a tail’. The order Anura contains many families, one of which is the Bufonidae, or toad family. So toads are a family of frogs.

So what are the characteristics that distinguish toads from frogs? In plain language, when is a frog a toad?

Cape River Frogs (Amietia fuscigula).

Raucous Toad (Sclerophrys rangeri).

There are some obvious distinctions, but be aware that these are general characteristics and there are exceptions to every ‘rule’.

Western Leopard Toad (Sclerophrys patherinus).

Painted Reed Frog (Hyperolius marmoratus)

The Bufonidae or ‘toads' have a thicker, drier skin than other frogs. A toad's skin is often covered with bumps and glands, which is probably why some people think you can get warts by touching them. While this is a myth, frogs and toads alike can secrete any number of toxins through their skins.

Click below to read more. (The full article can be found on page 15)