A large endemic toad species native to the Sonoran Desert regions of southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, renowned for its significant chemical defense mechanisms.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Arid and semi-arid desert ecosystems, including rocky areas, desert scrublands, grasslands, and seasonal water bodies in Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexican states of Sonora and Sinaloa
Ecological Role
Key predator of invertebrates, plays crucial role in desert ecosystem balance; secretes potent neurotoxic and hallucinogenic compounds as a defense mechanism
Morphology
SKIN COATThick, warty skin with numerous glandular secretion points; skin contains 5-MeO-DMT and bufotenin
LIMBS WINGSPowerful, muscular limbs with partial webbing; capable of short, rapid jumps
HEAD SENSORYLarge prominent parotoid glands behind eyes; wide, flattened head with prominent cranial crests
BODY STRUCTURELarge toad, reaching 190-230 mm in total length; robust, muscular body with olive-green to gray-brown coloration
