Classification
Order: anura
Family: bufonidae
Genus: bufo
Species: bufo viridis
Habitat
The European green toad, as the name suggests, is native to mainland Europe. They can be found in a variety of terrains: steppes, mountains, semi-deserts, urban areas, woodland etc.
Outward appearance
An adult toad is around 13-15 cm long. Females are considerably larger than males.
The back of the toad is usually olive-gray with big dark green spots with black frame. The belly is usually very light, almost white. The color of the toad can change depending on the temperature and light.
Character
It is a nocturnal species. In the wild European green toads hibernate for about 6 months (from October to April).
Maintenance care
It is recommended to keep a European green toad in a 50 liter tank with a lot of plants and shelters. A water bowl with fresh clean water is a must. On the bottom you should have at least 10 cm thick layer of soil, turf or bark. Adult toads won’t need extra heating (they feel comfortable at room temperature within the range 21-26 degrees). But tadpoles need ambient temperature of about 33 degrees and the air humidity of 50-90%. You will have to get a fluorescent lamp: the toad needs 10-12 hours of light daily.
Feeding
European green toads eat various invertebrates: earthworm, slugs etc., and insects: cockroaches, flies, mosquitoes etc. In captivity you can keep the same menu adding occasional mealworm, butterflies and caterpillars. It is recommended to cover insects with vitamin powder at least twice a month. Toads should be fed daily.
Breeding
The mating season of the green toad varies from February to July, depending on the location. It is generally longest in the south and can be affected by rainfall. The male green toad clasps the female under the front legs during mating, and may hold this position for a few days until the female lays her eggs. Spawning usually takes place in water bodies no deeper than 50 centimetres. Each female green toad may lay between 5,000 and 13,000 eggs, with the eggs being deposited in 2 strings of about 2 to 7 metres in length. Green toad tadpoles feed on detritus and algae.
The tadpoles of the green toad undergo metamorphosis in spring and summer. The newly metamorphosised juveniles often emerge in large numbers, covering pond shores with thousands of small toadlets. The maximum lifespan of the green toad has been estimated at around seven to ten years.
