Common Asian Toad, சொறித் தவளை

Common name: Common Asian Toad     

Scientific name: Duttaphrynus melanostictus

Photo credit: B. S. Karthikeyan
Photo shot at: Lobby of Mahatma Gandhi-Doerenkamp Center, BDU 

Photo credit: D.Mahamuni

Photo shot at: Near AC Auditorium, BDU 

Common toads occur widely throughout Asia. The species breeds during the monsoons and the tadpoles are black. Young toads may be seen in large numbers after the monsoons. Asian common toads breed in still and slow-flowing rivers and temporary and permanent ponds and pools. Adults are terrestrial and may be found under ground cover such as rocks, leaf-litter, logs, and are also associated with human habitations. The larvae are found in still and slow-moving water bodies. They are often seen at night under street lamps especially in times when winged termites swarm. They have been noted to feed on a wide range of invertebrates including scorpions. Tadpoles grown in sibling groups metamorphosed faster than those that were kept in mixed groups. Tadpoles have been shown to be able to recognize kin.