It’s perfect. look at that. Im so good at drawing.

Cyprus Green Toad (Bufotes cypriensis), family Bufonidae, endemic to Cypress

Today's animal of the day is the North American Green Toad (Anaxyrus debilis)!

Photo credit: Mike Rochford

Often referred to as just the green toad, this species of toad can be found throughout the southwestern United States and in parts of northern Mexico. They are mostly green in color, hence their name, with black spots and pale underbellies. They are a fairly small species; males only grow about 1.5 to 1.8 inches long. Like many other toads, females are a little larger than the males and range in size from 1.7 to around 2.1 inches.

Photo credit: Marco Zozaya

These desert-dwelling toads spend the day hiding in burrows or under rocks until the sun goes down and it cools off enough for them to go out to hunt. Since they live in dry, arid environments, these toads have adapted to take advantage of the temporary pools of water created by seasonal rainstorms in order to lay their eggs. Males will locate a decent breeding site, such as a vernal pool or a ditch on the side of the road, and will croak to attract a female. Because these water sources dry up so quickly in the desert heat, these breeding events don't tend to last long.

Photo credit: Juan Cruzado Cortés

The rate of development for the eggs and tadpoles of these species can vary greatly depending on environmental factors such as the temperature and amount of rainfall. Eggs typically hatch around 5-6 days after being laid, but if the water temperature is over 91 degrees, they can hatch in just 24 hours! The tadpole stage usually lasts around 25 days can be shortened to just 8 days depending on the temperature and amount of rainfall. This adaptation reduces the risk of eggs and tadpoles drying out once these temporary pools evaporate.

Photo credit: John Sullivan

IS GREEN EVEN ON HERE??