While tending to my yard in Arkansas, I came upon a charming Dwarf American Toad. I had previously shared about spotting a Fowler’s Toad while mowing, but this time I found this miniature amphibian near my cabin, close to the Ouachita National Forest.
Compared to the American Toad, the Dwarf American Toad is approximately a third smaller, with an average length of about 2 inches. Interestingly, their calls differ, with the Dwarf American Toad having a slightly higher pitch.
Fortunately, I keep my camera handy by the front door of my cabin for any photography opportunities that may arise while I go about my daily chores. To capture the moment, I crouched down low to the ground, using my Fujifilm X-T3 Camera equipped with a Canon EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens and a Fringer EF-FX Pro adapter.
Camera Settings
- AV Mode
- Aperture: f8
- ISO: 800
- Shutter speed: 1/1600 of a second
- Focal Length: 400 mm
The Dwarf American Toad (Bufo americanus charlesmithi) is a subspecies of the American Toad that is found in certain regions of North America, including Arkansas. They are generally found in forested areas, including the Ouachita National Forest, where I spotted this one near my cabin.
These toads are small, typically growing to a length of 1.25-2 inches, with females being slightly larger than males. They have warty skin that is usually brown or gray in color, and they are known for their distinctive call, which has been described as a high-pitched trill.
Dwarf American Toads are mainly active during the night, when they emerge from their hiding places to search for insects and other small invertebrates to eat. They are also known to hibernate during the winter months, often burrowing into the soil to escape the cold.
While they are not considered endangered, Dwarf American Toads, like many amphibians, are facing threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and disease. It is important to protect their habitats and take measures to prevent the spread of disease to ensure their survival.