Description
The Red-spotted Toad (Anaxyrus punctatus) is a toad in the family Bufonidae found in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. This arid species is very localized on the coastal slope, but widespread in the deserts. In dry areas it needs seasonal pools or even temporary rain puddles to use for breeding.
Eggs hatch in three days and the tadpole can transform in 6–8 weeks, taking advantage of the ephemeral water bodies. It spends dry periods in burrows or beneath rocks or moist plant matter, and becomes suddenly active during rainfall when multitudes of individuals emerge.
This is a very docile toad, easily handled with little risk from toxins in its skin. They are still delicate, however, so handling should be relegated to emergencies only.