I found this Gulf Coast Toad on our front walkway. He had climbed up onto the path from the adjacent landscaping beds. He was sitting very still, and seemed to be lethargic. I approached within just a couple of feet, and the toad did not seem to be aware of or disturbed by my presence.
As I watched, a June Beetle landed nearby, and walked right through this toad’s strike zone. The toad’s tongue shot out, and he easily nabbed the hapless June Beetle. Although, the whole event was telegraphed to me well in advance, I was too slow to record the actual strike on film.
After eating the June Beetle, this Gulf Coast Toad became much more lively. Not long afterwards he jumped off the walkway, and returned to the safety of the flowerbeds.
Was “he” a “she”? Males have yellow colors under the mouth. Females are whiter.