Bufonide (TOADS)

Of Bufo alone there are 77 species. A Mexican species rivals the bullfrog in size and grows to a length of 8 inches. The eggs of toads are black, and are laid in a single string of jelly. The young tadpoles that develop from them are black. They soon, while sm small, undergo the metamorphoses that fit them for a terrestrial life; the gills and tail are absorbed, and legs appear. They travel far away overland, hiding in the daytime. When it rains they come out in large numbers. Alytes obstetric ans, the Obstetric Toad, belongs to an allied family ( Discoglo ida ). The male winds the egg string about his thighs, and carries it until they hatch. For the Spade-foot, see PELOBATIDE.