Asian Common ToadDuttaphrynus melanostictusWhere and when to see them

The Asian common toad is a widespread amphibian found across much of South and Southeast Asia, including the Mekong region. Also called the black-spined toad, it is recognisable by its warty skin and dark, raised ridges on the head. It adapts well to human-modified landscapes and often lives around villages, gardens and farmland. Although it breeds in freshwater, adults spend most of their lives on land. Its skin glands produce defensive toxins, so it should not be handled.

Size

Typically about 6–10 cm in body length, measured from snout to vent; females are generally larger than males.

Weight

Variable with size, sex and body condition; females are generally heavier than males.

Lifespan

Up to about 10 years in captivity; lifespan in the wild is less well documented.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

Asian common toads are mainly active at dusk and during the night. During the day, they shelter beneath debris, stones, logs or in other cool, protected places. Rain and humid conditions often encourage them to emerge and forage. They usually move by walking or making short hops rather than long leaps. During breeding periods, males gather beside suitable water and produce repeated, trilling calls. A male clasps a female behind her forelegs during mating, and she releases long strings of eggs into the water. The eggs hatch into aquatic tadpoles, which later metamorphose into small, land-dwelling toadlets.

• Its scientific name refers to its dark spotting.
• Eggs are laid in long gelatinous strings rather than compact clumps.
• The glands behind its eyes release defensive toxins.
• It has become invasive in some places outside its native range, including Madagascar.

Wildlife opportunities depend on the river reach, water levels and species. River-specific viewing months have not been confirmed; general species seasons are not a local sighting forecast.

This species occupies a wide range of lowland habitats, particularly open woodland, grassland, agricultural land and settlements. In the Mekong basin, suitable places include gardens, village margins, rice-growing areas and damp ground near floodplain pools. Adults need sheltered resting places that help them avoid drying out. Breeding generally occurs in still or slow-moving freshwater, including ponds, ditches and temporary rain pools. The fast-flowing main river channel is not its typical breeding habitat.

Asian common toads eat a broad variety of small terrestrial invertebrates. Ants, termites, beetles and other insects are common prey. They also take other suitably sized animals, such as spiders and worms. Individuals may forage beneath outdoor lights where insects gather.

Common name

Asian Common Toad

Scientific name

Duttaphrynus melanostictus

Animal group

Amphibians

Size

Typically about 6–10 cm in body length, measured from snout to vent; females are generally larger than males.

Weight

Variable with size, sex and body condition; females are generally heavier than males.

Lifespan

Up to about 10 years in captivity; lifespan in the wild is less well documented.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

Identification

Look for a squat, broad-bodied toad with dry-looking, strongly warty skin, usually in shades of brown, grey or yellowish brown. Many warts have conspicuous dark tips, and raised blackish ridges outline parts of the head and upper eyelids. Large, elongated parotoid glands sit behind the eyes. Colour and markings vary, so identification should use several features together rather than colour alone.