Frogs and toads are closely related amphibians that differ in their adaptation to different habitats. Frogs largely dwell in or near water. In contrast, toads have thick leathery skin, allowing them to retain more internal moisture and to live in dryer areas.
The common toad is a drowsy-looking amphibian of brown or olive-brown color. The underside is typically white or gray, and the eye, which has a horizontal pupil, is copper in color. Adult male toads grow to a length of 8 cm, whereas the larger females can be up to 13 cm long. Common toads secrete a foul-tasting, irritant chemical [bufagin] from their warty skin, and this toxin deters most predators from eating them.