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The family Bufonidae, are a family of frogs known as toads and are the only family of frogs exclusively known as toads. True toads are comprised of a number of genera, with Bufo being the most widespread and known. Only the genus Atelopus are commonly known as frogs.

True toads are widespread and occur natively on every continent except Australia and Antarctica, inhabiting a variety of environments, from arid areas to rainforest.

True toads are generally warty in appearence and have a pair of parotoid glands on the back of their heads. These glands contain a poison, which the toads excrete when stressed. The poison in the glands contain a number of toxins causing different effects. One of the toxins, known as bufotoxin, can cause psychoactive effects and has been used as a recreational drug.

Taxonomy

Frogs by classification

 

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the "True toad".

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