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The western toad (''Anaxyrus boreas'', also referred to as ''Bufo boreas'', although the latter name is disputed; see ''Anaxyrus'') is a large toad species, between long, native to western North America. It has a white or cream dorsal stripe, and is dusky gray or greenish dorsally with skin glands concentrated within the dark blotches. Its parotoid glands are oval, widely separated, and larger than the upper eyelids. It has a mottled venter and horizontal pupils but lacks cranial crests. Compared to females, males have smoother skin, reduced dorsal blotching, and nuptial pads (thickened skin) on their forefeet during breeding season. In juveniles of this species, the dorsal stripe is weak or absent. Large young have prominent dorsal and ventral spotting and yellow feet. Breeding occurs between March and July in mountainous areas, and as early as January in lower-elevation regions. The female lays up to 17,000 eggs stuck together in strings that adhere to vegetation and other objects along water edges.〔Grismer, L. L. (2002). ''Amphibians and Reptiles of Baja California''. Los Angeles: University of California Press, p. 66, ISBN 0520925203.〕 ''A. boreas'' is frequently encountered during the wet season on roads, or near water at other times. When handled adults often vocalize, making a sound like a peeping chick while struggling. It eats any type of insect it can catch. It can jump a considerable distance for a toad. ==Subspecies== There are two known subspecies of the western toad: *Boreal toad (''A. b. boreas'') *California toad (''A. b. halophilus'') 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Western toad」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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