Frog vs. Toad: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Harlon Moss || Updated on October 20, 2023
Frogs are typically smooth-skinned, slim, and semi-aquatic; toads are often warty-skinned, stout, and more terrestrial.
Key Differences
Frogs are members of the order Anura, known for their smooth, moist skin and slim bodies. Toads, while also members of the Anura order, generally possess a drier, warty appearance.
Frogs are primarily semi-aquatic, often found near water bodies, and rely on their environment to remain moist. Toads, conversely, are more terrestrial creatures, adapted to drier habitats and more likely to be found farther from water.
In terms of reproduction, frogs lay their eggs in clusters, mostly in water. Toads, on the other hand, typically lay their eggs in long chains or rows, also mostly in water.
Another distinction is their legs. Frogs usually have long, powerful hind legs adapted for leaping and swimming. Toads generally possess shorter legs, making them better suited for walking or making short hops.
Comparison Chart
Skin Texture
Smooth and moist
Rough and warty
ADVERTISEMENT
Habitat
Primarily semi-aquatic
More terrestrial
Reproduction
Eggs laid in clusters
Eggs laid in chains or rows
Legs
Longer for leaping and swimming
Shorter, suited for walking/hopping
Body Shape
Slimmer
Stout
Frog and Toad Definitions
Frog
A member of the Anura order, distinct from toads.
This species of frog is native to tropical rainforests.
ADVERTISEMENT
Toad
A creature known for its stout body and shorter legs.
The toad hopped slowly across the forest floor.
Frog
A tailless amphibian with a smooth, moist skin.
The frog leapt into the pond with a splash.
Toad
A member of the Anura order, distinct from frogs.
That toad is part of a species found only in arid regions.
Frog
A semi-aquatic animal often found near water bodies.
Frogs croaked loudly around the marshy area.
Toad
A more terrestrial animal, often distant from water bodies.
Unlike frogs, the toad seemed comfortable in the dry woodland.
Frog
An amphibian that undergoes metamorphosis from tadpole to adult.
The life cycle of a frog starts with an egg.
Toad
An amphibian that may have parotoid glands producing toxins.
Some toads release toxins as a defense against predators.
Frog
A creature known for its long jumping legs and webbed feet.
The frog's powerful legs helped it escape predators.
Toad
A tailless amphibian with a dry, warty skin.
The toad sat still, blending in with the garden path.
Frog
Any of numerous tailless aquatic, semiaquatic, or terrestrial amphibians of the order Anura, characteristically having a short vertebral column, a large head, long hind legs used for leaping, and a tadpole stage as larvae.
Toad
Any of various anuran amphibians especially of the family Bufonidae, characteristically being more terrestrial and having drier, rougher skin and shorter legs than the smooth-skinned frogs.
Frog
Any of various usually aquatic members of this order having smoother skin and longer hind legs than the toads.
Toad
A horned lizard.
FAQs
What's a basic distinction between a frog and a toad?
Frogs have smooth, moist skin; toads have rough, warty skin.
Do frogs leap further than toads?
Generally, yes, due to their longer, more powerful legs.
Which is more aquatic, frog or toad?
Frogs are typically more semi-aquatic compared to toads.
Can you find frogs in deserts?
Some frogs are adapted to arid regions, but they're less common than in wet habitats.
Why do toads have warty skin?
The warts help retain moisture and camouflage them in terrestrial habitats.
Are all frogs green?
No, frogs come in a variety of colors, including brown, blue, and even red.
Are toads always distant from water?
While more terrestrial, toads still need water for reproduction.
Are there frogs that can harm humans?
Some frogs secrete toxins that can be harmful, like the poison dart frog.
Do both frogs and toads lay eggs in water?
Mostly, both lay eggs in water, but there are some exceptions, especially with frogs.
How can you safely handle a toad?
Handle gently, avoid touching their glands, and wash hands afterward.
Are toads poisonous?
Some toads secrete toxins as a defense, but not all are poisonous to humans.
What do frogs eat?
Frogs are carnivorous and eat insects, small fish, and even other frogs.
Do toads have teeth?
Toads have small, peg-like teeth in the upper jaw, used to grasp prey.
Why do frogs need moist environments?
Their permeable skin can lose water rapidly, so moist habitats help them stay hydrated.
Do toads need to live near water?
Toads need water for breeding, but they can live farther from it than frogs.
Why do frogs croak?
Males often croak to attract females and establish territory.
Can both frogs and toads swim?
Yes, both can swim, but frogs are generally better swimmers due to their webbed feet.
Why do frogs have webbed feet?
Webbed feet aid frogs in swimming and leaping.
Are toads a type of frog?
All toads are technically frogs, but not all frogs are toads.
Do both frogs and toads undergo metamorphosis?
Yes, both start as tadpoles and metamorphose into adults.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
