Colorado River Toad

Colorado River Toad (Incilius alvarius)

Imposing, fascinating, and uniquely adapted, the Colorado River Toad—also known as the Sonoran Desert Toad—is a large, terrestrial amphibian native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Its olive-brown to grayish skin, warty texture, and stout body give it a rugged, desert-ready appearance, while its nocturnal and burrowing behaviors make it an intriguing species to observe.

Colorado River Toads are known for their powerful toxin, secreted from parotoid glands behind the eyes, which serves as a natural defense mechanism. They are primarily nocturnal, emerging during rainy nights to hunt insects and other small prey. While hardy, they require specialized care and respect due to their potent skin secretions.

Highlights

• Large, stout-bodied desert toad with warty olive-brown skin
• Native to the Sonoran Desert of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico
• Primarily nocturnal and burrowing in behavior
• Produces potent toxins as a natural defense

Care & Responsibility Notes
Colorado River Toads require spacious, secure enclosures with burrowing substrate, shallow water for hydration, and a temperature gradient suitable for desert species. Their diet includes insects, worms, and other invertebrates. Due to their potent toxin, careful handling and proper safety precautions are essential. Ownership is regulated in some regions.

Rugged, rare, and remarkable—the Colorado River Toad is a true desert survivor, combining striking size, fascinating behavior, and an unforgettable presence for experienced amphibian keepers.