Amphibians · Anura · Bufonidae

Natterjack Toad

Epidalea calamita

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

It differs from other European toads in running rather than hopping, thanks to its relatively short legs, and in the striking yellow stripe down its back.

Weight

4 g – 19 g

Size

6 cm – 9.5 cm

Lifespan

10 years

Diet

Insectivore

Feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates.

Activity

Nocturnal

Active mainly at night.

Social structure

Solitary

Lives and hunts alone, joining others only to breed.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

DesertFreshwaterGrasslandInsectivore Nocturnal Solitary Amphibian Desert Freshwater Grassland

54countries 27parks7same family

Fun facts

Its extraordinarily loud night call carries as far as 2 km.
It feeds on ants and other small invertebrates.
It lives in sandy coastal dunes, heathland and open wetlands across much of Europe.
It is the only toad native to Ireland.
It runs rather than hops, which is unusual for a toad.
Its mating call carries over a kilometre.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (amphibian)
Habitat & environment: Sandy coastal dunes, heathland and open wetlands across much of Europe
Birth weight: Born as a tadpole on hatching from the egg
Size at birth: Born as a tadpole on hatching from the egg
Sexual maturity: 3-4 years
Gestation / incubation: 6-8 weeks to complete metamorphosis
Litter / clutch size: 1,500 to 7,500 eggs per clutch, laid in strings

Sources consulted: A-Z Animals; Froglife; Gonefroggin.com; Wikipedia (Natterjack toad); First Nature; Wildlife Trusts; PMC (histological study skin glands)