Description - Body 2 - 2 1/8 inches (5.1 - 6.7 cm). Coloration is gray to light brown to purplish gray. Dark mottling on the back may create a zig-zag appearance. Numerous small dark spots can be found on the underside of the toad. Large elongated parotoid glands can be seen on the side of the head.

Voice - A loud musical trill lasting 4 - 12 seconds at a rate of about 30 -35 per second. Most often heard calling from February - June.

Habitat - Prefers pine forest and sandy prairies.

Breeding - Breeding takes place in the Spring after heavy rainfall. In years of heavy rainfall breeding may occur in Spring and again in early Summer. Breeding usually takes place in shallow ponds.

Range in Texas - Once having a much larger range it is now confined to small areas from Harris to Bastrop Counties.

Notes - Due to habitat destruction and over use of pesticides the Houston Toad is now listed as an Endangered Species in Texas. It appears to be most common in the "Lost Pines" area of Bastrop County, near Bastrop State Park. This Toad has never been found at Brazos Bend State Park, but has been documented in Fort Bend County. It probably no longer exists in Fort Bend County.