Difference Between Frogs and Toads
Frogs have smooth, moist skin, long legs for jumping, and live near water. Toads have dry, bumpy skin, shorter legs for walking, and can live farther from water. Scientifically, all toads are frogs (order Anura), but we commonly distinguish them by these physical characteristics.
Key Takeaways
- Skin is the most obvious difference.
- Toads do not cause warts - the bumps on their skin are glands, some producing mild toxins for defense.
- Tree frogs are exceptions that live away from ground-level water but still need moisture.
Explanation
Skin is the most obvious difference. Frogs have smooth, moist, often shiny skin that helps them breathe and must stay wet. Toads have dry, rough, bumpy skin (often called warty) that helps them retain moisture and survive in drier habitats.
Body shape and movement differ too. Frogs have slim bodies and long, powerful hind legs built for jumping and swimming. Toads have stocky bodies with shorter legs and tend to walk or make short hops rather than long leaps.
Habitat preferences follow from their physical adaptations. Frogs live in or very near water (ponds, streams, wetlands). Toads can venture much farther from water and are often found in gardens, forests, and even deserts, returning to water mainly to breed.
Things to Know
- Toads do not cause warts - the bumps on their skin are glands, some producing mild toxins for defense.
- Tree frogs are exceptions that live away from ground-level water but still need moisture.
- Some species blur the line and may be called either frog or toad depending on region.