The common toad (Bufo bufo) is a widespread species found across most of Europe, excluding Ireland, Iceland, parts of Scandinavia, and some Mediterranean islands. It is usually inconspicuous, lying hidden during the day and becoming active at dusk to hunt for invertebrates. With greyish-brown, wart-like skin, the toad moves slowly and typically uses short jumps.
During the breeding season, toads gather at ponds where males compete for females. They lay eggs in gelatinous strings, which hatch into tadpoles that later metamorphose into terrestrial toads. The common toad is the fourth most common amphibian in Europe and lives in varied habitats, including forests, fields, and gardens.
Toads are voracious feeders, consuming woodlice, slugs, and even small mice, and they primarily hunt at night using visual cues. They periodically shed their skin, consuming the old skin as part of the process. In a notable observation, researchers found a common toad at a depth of 324 feet in Loch Ness, surprising them with its ability to survive in such conditions.
