description Mexican Burrowing Toad Overview
Rhinophrynus dorsalis, the sole living member of family Rhinophrynidae, is a burrowing species native to Mexico and Central America that feeds almost exclusively on termites and ants.
insights Why this score
Mexican Burrowing Toad ranks #51 of 216 in the Amphibian ranking, behind Argentine Horned Frog, ahead of Siberian Salamander.
Sole surviving family member, odd morphology, specialized ant feeding, high evolutionary interest.
help Mexican Burrowing Toad FAQ
Why is the Mexican burrowing toad placed in its own family?
Rhinophrynus dorsalis is the only living species in the family Rhinophrynidae. Its anatomy and evolutionary history distinguish it from the familiar true toads of the family Bufonidae.
How does a Mexican burrowing toad eat termites?
It enters ant or termite nests and uses a specialized protrusible tongue to collect prey. Its pointed snout and powerful hind limbs help it dig through soil to reach underground colonies.
When can Mexican burrowing toads be seen above ground?
They spend much of their lives buried and emerge most conspicuously after heavy seasonal rains. Males then call from temporary pools, producing a loud, low sound that can reveal animals hidden in muddy water.
Where does the Mexican burrowing toad live?
Its range extends from Mexico into parts of Central America, including Guatemala and neighboring countries. It favors seasonally dry lowlands where loose soil permits burrowing and rain creates temporary breeding pools.
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