Eastern Narrow-Mouthed Toad
Gastrophryne carolinensis
A tiny, flattened native frog with a pointed snout and a loud, nasal breeding call after heavy rain.
Eastern Narrow-Mouthed Toads live beneath leaf litter, logs, mulch, and debris in moist habitats across Florida. Despite the common name, they belong to a different frog family than true toads.
They breed in temporary pools and roadside depressions after strong rain. Leaf litter, shallow seasonal water, and pesticide-free shelter support them in residential landscapes.
Habitat:
Freshwater Wetlands, Pine Flatwoods and Sandhills, Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Residential Areas
Area / Range:
Statewide
Diet:
Specializes on ants and termites and also eats tiny beetles and other small invertebrates.
Behavior:
Hides by day and emerges at night, especially during warm rain. Males call from shallow water with a long nasal bleat, and eggs float in a thin surface film.
Nighttime, Dawn and Dusk
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Warm rainy nights from spring through fall beneath cover or beside temporary pools.
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Least Concern and widespread, though seasonal wetland loss and road mortality create local pressure.
Safety Level:
Low
Safety Information:
Avoid unnecessary handling and wash hands afterward. Keep soaps, fertilizers, and pesticides away from frog habitat and temporary pools.
Benefits to Property:
Consumes ants and termites and contributes to healthy woodland and wetland food webs.
Property Concerns:
Causes no structural damage. Its loud rain-triggered call may surprise residents, and individuals may shelter beneath landscape materials.
Fun Fact:
- It is not a true toad.
- A movable skin fold helps protect it from biting ants.
- Its call is much louder than its small size suggests.
Wildlife Laws:
Native amphibian collection and possession are regulated in Florida. Do not relocate frogs between properties or introduce captive animals into natural habitat.
Identification:
Small, squat, and flattened with a pointed head, narrow mouth, short legs, smooth to slightly granular skin, and variable gray, brown, or reddish coloring. A fold of skin crosses the back of the head.