Scientific Name: Bufo bufo.
Common Names: Common Toad, European Common Toad.
Distribution: Distributed widely throughout most of Europe.
Size: Males: 5-8cm, females: 9-12cm.
Sexing: The males of this species can be heard calling, this is the most reliable way of sexing, Males also have nuptial pads on 1st finger, during breeding season these pads also develop on the 2nd and 3rd fingers, and males are the smaller sex.
Colouration: The dorsal surface is a grey, brown or olive often with darker spots that sometimes fuse into irregular bands. The ventral surface is light-grey with dark brown-black spots.
Requirements: These toads are rather large individuals and require a fairly large terrarium. A 15-gallon tank would be adequate for an adult pair. They require a woodland type set-up with a substrate of 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 large water bowl (no deeper than the toad's nostrils when at rest) must be provided with clean de-chlorinated or spring water. If kept in a warm room the tank will not require any additional heating. A separate light source should be provided by the means of a fluorescent UVB tube.
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 small crickets, ants, waxworm, earthworm and caterpillars. 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 crickets, regular mealworms, ants, earthworms, beetles, waxworm, and caterpillars. The food items should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement once a week.
