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Description
Gulf Coast Toad
Scientific Name: Incilius valliceps
Common Name: Gulf Coast Toad
Species Overview
Size: Adults typically reach 2.5 to 4 inches (6.5 to 10 cm), with females generally larger and broader than males.
Appearance: The Gulf Coast Toad is a medium-sized species with a relatively smooth to moderately bumpy texture. Colouration ranges from tan and brown to olive or grey, often with a distinct pale dorsal stripe running from the snout to the lower back. Dark lateral patches or mottling may be present along the sides. The parotoid glands are elongate and moderately large. A dark bar is often visible between the eyes, and the underside is pale and usually unmarked. The snout is somewhat pointed compared to other North American toads.
Distribution: Native to the Gulf Coast region of the United States and Mexico, ranging from Texas and Louisiana through eastern Mexico and into Central America.
Habitat: Wild populations inhabit marshes, ditches, grasslands, suburban areas, forest edges, and temporary or permanent freshwater bodies. Highly adaptable, they thrive in both natural and urbanised landscapes. In captivity, they do well in terrestrial enclosures with moderate humidity and deep substrate.
Behaviour: Primarily nocturnal, Gulf Coast Toads emerge after dusk to forage. They are hardy, opportunistic feeders and rely on camouflage and stillness when threatened. They are solitary outside breeding seasons and may become mildly territorial in confined spaces.
Captive Care
Enclosure: A single adult can be housed in a 24 × 18 × 18 inches (60 × 45 × 45 cm) enclosure. Provide deep, slightly moist soil or coconut fibre substrate mixed with leaf litter to encourage burrowing. Add cork flats, logs, rocks, and plant cover for shaded hiding spots. A shallow water dish large enough for soaking should always be available. For multiple individuals, upgrading to 36 × 18 × 18 inches (90 × 45 × 45 cm) reduces crowding and territorial stress.
Temperature and Humidity:
Ambient temperature: 72 to 80°F (22 to 27°C)
Warm area: 82 to 86°F (28 to 30°C)
Night temperature: 65 to 70°F (18 to 21°C)
Humidity: 50 to 70%, with light misting and partial drying through the day.
Lighting: Provide low-level UVB (2 to 5%) with gentle lighting. Ensure shaded areas throughout the enclosure to reduce stress.
Diet: Offer a varied diet including crickets, roaches, worms, black soldier fly larvae, and occasional soft-bodied invertebrates. Supplement prey with calcium and multivitamins. Juveniles require more frequent feeding; adults thrive on a moderate schedule to prevent obesity.
Behaviour in Captivity: Gulf Coast Toads are hardy and adapt well to stable environments. They remain hidden during the day and become active, bold feeders at night. Handling should be minimal due to sensitive skin and their ability to secrete mild defensive toxins.
Genetics Note
There are no recognised morphs for the Gulf Coast Toad. Natural variation occurs in the presence of a dorsal stripe, overall tone, and lateral pattern intensity, but these differences are locality-based rather than defined genetic morphs.