Amplexus: A Love Story

Woodhouse's toad (Anaxyrus woodhousii)

Spring is in full swing, and the toads know it. As soon as the time is right, they make their appearance en masse and waste no time making use of newly-formed pools that come with the rain. These pools are known as vernal pools, and they are characterized by the fact that they don’t last forever, drying up as the year progresses. These temporary toad havens are necessary for the breeding process of many species, including these Woodhouse’s toads in Eastern Nebraska. Permanent bodies of water contain fish that eat their eggs and fast flowing water that can overpower them, so the toads seek these temporary shallow refuges and use them as nurseries while they last.

Male calling

The males emerge first, getting prepared and calling their little hearts out in an attempt to impress the ladies that follow shortly thereafter. Upon hearing this ensemble, the egg-heavy females make their way to the water and the frenzied competition begins. Males wrestle each other to claim prime real estate and call with as much passion as they can muster, hoping to catch the eye of a potential mate and draw the females closer with these displays of bravado. As soon as the female gets close enough the male makes his move, jumping on her back and holding on for dear life. Even if the female doesn't put up a fight, the surrounding males will try their hardest to displace him and take his place.

Amplexus over egg strands

Once firmly in place, the male will hold tight for hours on end. This position is known as amplexus and stimulates the female to start laying her eggs. Toad eggs are very distinct from frog eggs, as they are laid in a long string encased in a tube of jelly, instead of a large mass as seen with many frogs. This pearl-like string of eggs wraps around the vegetation in the shallow pools, which helps keep them close to the surface where it is warm and there is sunlight. Like fish, the male fertilizes the eggs externally, gradually releasing sperm as the female deposits her line of eggs. After waiting all year for this big moment, the deed is done and the toads part ways, looking for food and getting in shape for the competition next year.

Toad eggs