What is the scientific name of the American Toad?

The scientific name of the American Toad is Anaxyrus americanus.

Where are American Toads native to?

American Toads are native to Most areas of eastern Canada and United States.

How big do American Toads get?

Adult American Toads typically reach 2-4 inches.

How long do American Toads live?

American Toads live about 15-20 years with proper care.

What temperatures does an American Toad need?

Recommended temperatures for an American Toad: 60-70°F cool side, 70-75°F warm side, and No basking spot.

What humidity does an American Toad need?

American Toads need 50% humidity.

Do American Toads need UVB lighting?

UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits American Toads. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.

What size enclosure does an American Toad need?

Recommended enclosure sizes for an American Toad: Baby-Young: 24”x12”x12” (<1 year+); Adult: 36”x18”x12” (recommended). Always base adult size enclosure off of adult size.

What do American Toads eat?

American Toads eat: Insects & Invertebrates.

Are American Toads good for beginners?

Yes. American Toads are considered a beginner-level species.

Are American Toads nocturnal or diurnal?

American Toads are nocturnal (active at night).

What is American Toad behavior like?

Common American Toad behavior traits: Look, don’t handle pet; Known for being shy/reclusive; Require live bugs to be moving for feeding; Loud calls; They will burrow during day; Solitary; Opportunistic eaters from bugs to invertebrates.

Do American Toads lay eggs?

Yes. American Toads are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.

How many eggs does an American Toad lay?

An American Toad clutch is typically about 2000-20,000 eggs.

How long do American Toad eggs take to hatch?

American Toad eggs typically incubate for 3-12 days before hatching.

How long does American Toad metamorphosis take?

American Toad metamorphosis typically takes about 50-65 days.

What is the best enclosure for an American Toad?

Recommended enclosures for American Toads by age. Juvenile: HabiStat 18" Glass Terrariums. Sub-adult: HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums. Adult: Vivarium 36" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums.

What lighting products are best for an American Toad?

Recommended lighting products for American Toads by age. Juvenile: Arcadia 7% UVB D3 ShadeDweller Lighting, 12". Sub-adult: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting. Adult: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.

Is there a complete habitat bundle for American Toads?

Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for American Toads by age. Sub-adult: Subadult American Toad Bundle. Adult: Adult American Toad Bundle.

American Toad

Common Name(s)	American toad
Scientific Name	Anaxyrus americanus
Behavior	Nocturnal (active during night) Look, don’t handle pet Known for being shy/reclusive Require live bugs to be moving for feeding Loud calls They will burrow during day Solitary Opportunistic eaters from bugs to invertebrates
Reproduction	Oviparous (Egg Layer) Clutch size: ~2000-20,000 Incubation: 3-12 days Metamorphose: ~50-65 days
Lifespan	~15-20 years
Temperatures	60-70°F cool side 70-75°F warm side No basking spot
Humidity	50%
Lighting	UVA/UVB benefits animal
Size	2-4 inches
Enclosure Recommendations	Baby-Young: 24”x12”x12” (<1 year+) Adult: 36”x18”x12” (recommended) Always base adult size enclosure off of adult size.
Experience Level	Beginner Toad *Parents should always be involved caring for any pet, until the child is 18 yrs.
Diet	Insects & Invertebrates

Filter by age:

Best Bundles for Adult American Toads

Adult American Toad Bundle

Best Substrates for Adult American Toads

TropicalBase Terrarium Mix; Bioactive Ready to Use: 24 Quart

ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use: 12 Quart

Best Enclosures for Adult American Toads

36" Sliding Door Reptile Vivarium (36x18) - 50 Gallon: Black

Best Lighting Products for Adult American Toads

Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 36"

Best Substrates for Subadult American Toads

TropicalBase Terrarium Mix; Bioactive Ready to Use: 24 Quart

Best Enclosures for Subadult American Toads

HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums: 24x18x18, 34 Gallon Terrarium

Best Lighting Products for Subadult American Toads

Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 24"

The American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus) is a common amphibian found throughout much of North America, from Canada down to the southern United States. Known for its distinctive rough, warty skin, this toad species comes in various shades of brown, gray, and olive, often with a mottled pattern that provides excellent camouflage in its natural habitat. American Toads are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of environments, including forests, grasslands, and even suburban gardens. Their skin contains glands that produce a mild toxin, deterring many predators and helping them survive in the wild.

One fascinating aspect of the American Toad is its unique breeding behavior. During the spring, males congregate in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams to call for females with a distinctive, high-pitched trill that can last up to 30 seconds. Females lay long strings of eggs, which can contain thousands of individual eggs, in the water. The eggs hatch into tadpoles, which undergo metamorphosis over several weeks, transforming into miniature versions of adult toads. American Toads play a crucial role in controlling insect populations, as their diet primarily consists of ants, beetles, and other small invertebrates. Their widespread presence and ecological importance make them a vital component of many North American ecosystems.

Native Range

Most areas of eastern Canada

United States

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Common American Toad ReptiChip Questions

: The scientific name of the American Toad is Anaxyrus americanus.
: American Toads are native to Most areas of eastern Canada and United States.
: Adult American Toads typically reach 2-4 inches.
: American Toads live about 15-20 years with proper care.
: Recommended temperatures for an American Toad: 60-70°F cool side, 70-75°F warm side, and No basking spot.
: American Toads need 50% humidity.
: UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits American Toads. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.
: Recommended enclosure sizes for an American Toad: Baby-Young: 24”x12”x12” (<1 year+); Adult: 36”x18”x12” (recommended). Always base adult size enclosure off of adult size.
: American Toads eat: Insects & Invertebrates.
: Yes. American Toads are considered a beginner-level species.
: American Toads are nocturnal (active at night).
: Common American Toad behavior traits: Look, don’t handle pet; Known for being shy/reclusive; Require live bugs to be moving for feeding; Loud calls; They will burrow during day; Solitary; Opportunistic eaters from bugs to invertebrates.
: Yes. American Toads are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
: An American Toad clutch is typically about 2000-20,000 eggs.
: American Toad eggs typically incubate for 3-12 days before hatching.
: American Toad metamorphosis typically takes about 50-65 days.
: Recommended substrates for juvenile American Toads: TropicalBase Terrarium Mix; Bioactive Ready to Use and ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for sub-adult American Toads: TropicalBase Terrarium Mix; Bioactive Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for adult American Toads: TropicalBase Terrarium Mix; Bioactive Ready to Use and ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended enclosures for American Toads by age. Juvenile: HabiStat 18" Glass Terrariums. Sub-adult: HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums. Adult: Vivarium 36" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums.
: Recommended lighting products for American Toads by age. Juvenile: Arcadia 7% UVB D3 ShadeDweller Lighting, 12". Sub-adult: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting. Adult: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.
: Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for American Toads by age. Sub-adult: Subadult American Toad Bundle. Adult: Adult American Toad Bundle.

American Toad