Scientific Name: Bufo debilis.
Common Names: American Green Toad, Western Green Toad, and Western Desert Toad.
Distribution: The south-west of North America.
Size: 4-7cm.
Sexing: The males of this species can be heard calling during breeding season and at this time nuptial pads appear on the first digits of the hands. Females have a more rounded body shape and are usually larger than males.
Colouration: Mottled yellowish-green with black markings.
Requirements: A 24x12x12" terrarium would be adequate to house a small group of 3-4 adults. They require a woodland type set-up with a substrate of bark chips, moist sandy topsoil, and moss. Furnishings such as logs, cork bark, rock and sturdy leafed plants can be arranged to provide a number of climbing and hiding places. A shallow water bowl must be provided with clean de-chlorinated or spring water. The terrarium should be heated to 15-25ºC with a light drop at night. A separate light source should be provided by the means of a fluorescent 2-5%UVB tube for 12 hours a day but if a well supplemented diet is provided then UVB is optional.
Maintenance: Water will need changing daily to avoid the build up of ammonia and bacteria. Whilst changing the water it is a good idea to spot clean the tank and remove, clean, and replace any soiled items. At least once a month the entire terrarium and it's contents should be striped, cleaned, and sterilized using an amphibian friendly disinfectant.
Feeding: Juvenile Toads should be fed daily with a mixture of suitably sized insects including hatchling crickets & fruitflies. The food items should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement two-three times a week. Adult Toads should be fed every two-three days with a mixture of small/medium crickets, mini mealworms, chopped earthworms, flour beetles, and occasional waxworms. The food items should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement once a week.
