California Toad (Anaxyrus boreas halophilus) - Stockfoto

The California Toad (Anaxyrus boreas halophilus) is a subspecies of the Western Toad found in California's coastal regions, valleys, and lowlands. It has rough, bumpy skin with dark spots and toxic glands behind the eyes for defense. Adult toads are 2.5 to 4 inches long and feed on insects. They are nocturnal and breed in spring or summer in standing water. Their tadpoles undergo metamorphosis before becoming toads. The California Toad plays a vital role in controlling insect populations and is sensitive to habitat loss.