Head to head
Four-eyed Frog vs Andean Toad
Four-eyed Frog
VS Andean Toad
Both are Least Concern amphibians of southern South America, but their survival strategies point in completely different directions.
| Four-eyed Frog | Andean Toad | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Pleurodema thaul | Rhinella spinulosa |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Defence strategy | False eyespots and chemical secretions | Toxin-secreting glands behind the eyes |
| Range | Chile and Argentina | Peru to Patagonia, a far larger range |
| Elevation tolerance | Typical lowland to mid-elevation range | Some of the highest elevations of any toad |
| Skin type | Smooth, stocky body | Warty, water-retaining skin |
| Habitat | Grassland, wetlands | Mountains, desert, grassland |
| Breeding | Standard pond and wetland breeding | Temporary high-altitude pools |
Four-eyed Frog vs Andean Toad: common questions
Which amphibian tolerates higher elevations?
The Andean toad does, found at some of the highest elevations of any toad species in the world, a far greater tolerance than the four-eyed frog, which favours lower grassland and wetland habitat.
Which amphibian uses false eyespots as a defence?
The four-eyed frog does, arching its back to display two large eye-like markings on its rump, a defence strategy the Andean toad does not use.
Which amphibian has the larger geographic range?
The Andean toad does, ranging across a vast stretch of the Andes from Peru to Patagonia, far larger than the four-eyed frog's range across Chile and Argentina.