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Natterjack Toad (c) Tracy Farrer


Natterjack Toad
Epidalea calamita 

The Natterjack Toad is one of the rarest amphibians in the UK.  It prefers coastal dunes and lowland heaths.  Formerly known as Bufo calamita.

DESCRIPTION

Size: Adults reach 4-8cm/1.5-3"

Colour: Varies in colour from grey-brown to dark olive-green, the belly is a light, creamy colour with dark spots.  There is usually a thin yellow stripe running down the spine.

Markings: Thin yellow stripe down back.  Warts are often yellow or red tipped.

Identifying features:

  • Warty skin with yellow stripe

  • Natterjack Toad (c) Tracy FarrerGreen iris with horizontal slit pupil, glands behind each eye

  • Shorter back legs than Common Toads

  • Moves by running

  • Loudest call of any UK amphibian

Diet: Various invertebrates.

Breeding: Emerges from hibernation around March-April, often after Common Frogs and Toads.  Males usually arrive at breeding sites first, often quite shallow ponds, and call loudly to females.  Spawn is laid in a single string.  The tadpoles that hatch out are smaller than other amphibian species.

Habitat: Lives in burrows in sandy habitats such as coastal dunes and lowland heath.

Dislikes: Predators such as grass snakes, birds and fish.

CURRENT STATUS: Fully protected by the law against all disturbance and interference.

DISTRIBUTION: 
In your garden... Highly unlikely to be found in gardens due to specific habitat requirements.
UK: A very rare toad with a limited distribution in south and south east England, East Anglia, north west England, North Wales, south west Scotland and south west Ireland. Prefers coastal dunes and lowland heaths, salt marshes and upland moor.

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