Inflated confidence.

Cuban spotted toad (Peltophryne taladai)--Ariel Rodriguez
Cuban spotted toad (Peltophryne taladai)

Cute Frog of the Week: Sept. 19, 2011

This Cuban spotted toad (Peltophryne taladai) looks like it’s carrying a little extra weight around its tummy, but don’t fret, it does not need to go on a diet. A little extra volume can come in handy! When the Cuban spotted toad is threatened by a predator, it inflates itself to a most unappetizing size. The toad, which is normally between five and six inches long, becomes so enlarged no predator would be able to swallow it.

However, this toad attempts to avoid encounters with predators during the day by hiding under rocks and in holes it digs itself. It is most active at night when males call from shallow creeks, streams or from rocks. Their calls are quite raucous as they come together to form choruses.

Eggs are laid in very shallow areas of permanent streams and creeks, often in as little as five centimeters of water. Strings of eggs are attached to the roots of plants growing in at the edges of streams and creeks.

According to the IUCN, the Cuban spotted toad is a vulnerable species, with its population decreasing as the result of intensive agriculture, charcoaling and nickel mining.

Photo by Ariel Rodriguez via ARKive.

Every week the Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project posts a new photo of a cute frog from anywhere in the world with an interesting, fun and unique story to tell. Be sure to check back every Monday for the latest addition.

Send us your own cute frogs by uploading your photos here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/cutefrogoftheweek/