The Red-spotted Toad of the arid southwestern United States is named for the orange or red spots that are usually scattered on its back, sides and legs.
No two are alike – some have many spots while others have few to none.
This toad is one of the very few amphibians that can be found in the desert throughout most of the year. I see them most often along the edges of creeks and springs.
They have a general body pattern that is flattened. This allows them to crawl beneath rocks and crevices where these nocturnal creatures spend much of the day hiding.
Red-spotted Toads are nimble and climb over, under and around rocks with ease. They are one of our smaller toad species, reaching lengths around 2-1/2 to 3 inches.