This cute Arroyo Toad is relatively small (2-3 inches snout-vent length). Its unique coloration ranges from olive green or gray to lighter shade of brown. You cannot mistake the Arroyo, due to its non-paired, symmetrical dorsal blotches, bicolored parotid glands that are dark posteriorly and light anteriorly as well as a light spot on the sacral humps. This toad's most prominent feature is a white "v-shaped" stripe that crosses the top of the head between its eyes (www.sw-center.org).
Unlike most toads, the Arroyo lacks a middorsal stripe. The belly of this endearing jovial creature is buff-white and rarely has spots. Locomotion of this distinctive animal is generally in the form of hopping as opposed to walking or taking large jumps (www.sw-center.org).
The Arroyo Toad feeds mostly on insects. Tadpoles get organic matter from the sand or gravel. Juvenile toads eat ants, beetles and ladybugs. Adults live on land and eat ants. This species requires a specialized niche.
