Andran Toad

Andran toads are the largest species of toad from Maloruno, endemic to the Equator Range. Their slime production, toxins, and defensive 'whooping' calls are used to deter predators, of which there are a handful in their native range.

Anatomy

Andran toads are extremely flat, with a circular body. Their backs are lined with thin plates made mostly of calcite, which produces slime at a slow-but-consistent rate. Their heads are broad, with wide mouths stretching round their jaws and almost reaching their necks. A set of paratoid glands sits behind their bulging eyes containing bufotoxins, used to deter predators.

Andran toads grow to about ten inches in diameter, with legs reaching three inches. Their mouths are almost the same size as their bodies, held together with a sturdy skeletal frame which diminishes flexibility. Their skin is a blend of dark greens and dark greys to help camouflage in the lowlands of the Equator Range.

Diet

These frogs are a carnivorous species, preying on a number of animals. They will attempt to eat anything that can fit in their large mouths, standing still for hours on end while releasing a substance that attracts nearby insects. They will also navigate lake and riverbeds, scooping up any tiny microorganisms, fish, crustaceans, and many other invertebrates and insect larva.

Damn toad bit me yesterday. Almost crapped myself. I was walking through the river barefoot when I felt this mouth clamp down on my toes. I screamed like hell, but these things are harmless anyways.

— Runo

Reproduction & Growth

Female andran toads slowly produce eggs over the course of an entire year, only releasing them during breeding season when males start to produce sperm cells. The eggs are released into quiet, shaded corners of lakes and slow-moving rivers, for male toads to come along and fertilise them.

Habitat

Their dry, warty skin does need water supplements once in a while, so these animals will visit rivers and lakes once in a while, particularly during mating season. Outside of their watery ventures, andran toads can be found in forested areas, of which there are many in the lowlands of the Equator Range. If there are no forest areas nearby they will live around rivers and lakes, in pebbly landscapes where their grey colour scheme helps them camouflage.

Scientific Name

Bufo andran

Lifespan

5 years

Average Length

10 inches

Geographic Distribution

• Equator Range
• Maloruno

Etymology

Andran toads were named after Seil Andran, a famed runo hunter and explorer. He identified and named hundreds of species around the Equator Range.

Taxonomy

Phylum
Chordata
Class
Amphibia
Order
Anura
Family
Bufonidae
Genus
Bufo
Species
Bufo andran

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