Plains Narrowmouth Toad

Western Narrow-mouthed Toad

Other Names: Ant-eating Toad
Scientific Name: Gastrophryne olivacea
Family: Microhylidae

Description and Size

  • Slimly, smooth skin
  • Short hind legs for a frog
  • Lacks external eardrums (tympanum)
  • Flattened body type
  • Pointed nose
  • Fold of skin just behind the eyes
  • Total length: 2.0-4.1 cm (0.8-1.6 in)
  • Back color: grey to olive green
  • Belly color: cream

Habitat

  • Moist grasslands with rocky outcrops
  • Sparsely-wooded hillsides with rocky outcrops

Diet

  • Manly ants
  • Slugs
  • Sowbugs (rolly-pollies)

Plains Narrowmouth Toad Call

Click here to listen

Life History

  • Nocturnal
  • Active season: March – October
  • Breeding season: Mid-March – September
  • Lays eggs
  • Up to 600 eggs per female

Range

Updated Plains Narrowmouth Toad

Most common range within the last 50 years and does not include outliers. For more info email dferraro1@unl.edu.