September 2018.Against the odds, a hatch of tadpoles born just after July 4th, survived both a mini-drought that sapped the water from their shallow pool, and a downpour that swept all traces of them downstream, leaving the site covered in sand and rock shards. Viewing this scene just after the rain, it seemed that none could have survived, but that evening, a dozen or so of the smallest toads imaginable were seen hopping into nearby yards. With each leap covering perhaps 10 times their length, they made quick progress. Smaller than a small fingernail, or the width of a blade of grass, however, their survival appeared doubtful.
Yet, weeks later, a few small toads could still be seen around the yard. One was recently observed catching and eating an unwary carpenter ant. Motionless and perfectly camouflaged in ground cover, the toad struck with one swift silent motion – the ant vanished quicker than could be seen – 100% effective and 100% organic pest control!
The Texas Toad needs from 18 to 30 days in the water before its ready to leave, and begin life on land. After that, the estimated life span is only 2-3 years. While not considered endangered or threatened as a species, like all amphibians, the Texas Toad is susceptible to pesticides or chemicals that runoff, or in some instances, are deliberately dumped into the creek. Thus the toad’s absence can signal polluted or contaminated water, just as the canary would alert miners to dangerous air. If we can avoid pesticides, and discharge of pool or other chemicals, hopefully these small miracles will not be strangers in our gardens. And no, they do not cause warts or represent a poison threat to humans, although their protective toxin may be irritating to skin or cause cats or dogs to foam at the mouth.
At least two of the Joe’s Creek Toads headed west, nearly reaching Cox Lane, where they were rescued from a swimming pool by our own alert newsletter publisher. Though only about a half inch long, and the other slightly larger, their prey was larger than either – a cricket. Can you picture a teenager gulping down a 6-foot candy bar in one bite?
Photos below show: 1. Numerous tadpoles still in the water, having reached the stage where legs are developing, 2. A tiny new toad in its first day or days on land. And 3. A growing juvenile late in the summer.
Vince Punaro, Creek Leader