What structure is considered the most reliable characteristic for differentiating the Wyoming Toad from the Western Toad (*Anaxyrus boreas*)?

Answer

Prominent, raised bony ridges located between the eyes, known as cranial crests

The key physical feature that experts rely upon to reliably separate the Wyoming Toad (*A. baxteri*) from its close relative, the Western Toad (*Anaxyrus boreas*), involves the structures on the head. Specifically, *A. baxteri* possesses distinct and robust cranial crests, which are prominent, raised bony ridges situated between the eyes. While these crests are present in many toad species to varying degrees, they stand out significantly on the Wyoming Toad, whereas they are often absent or very subtle on the Western Toad. The presence of these well-developed cranial crests, combined with geographical location, often serves as the definitive confirmation for identification, especially when coloration patterns might be ambiguous or obscured.

What structure is considered the most reliable characteristic for differentiating the Wyoming Toad from the Western Toad (*Anaxyrus boreas*)?

Related Questions

What is the typical snout to vent measurement range for adult Wyoming Toads, *Anaxyrus baxteri*?What structure is considered the most reliable characteristic for differentiating the Wyoming Toad from the Western Toad (*Anaxyrus boreas*)?What term describes the typical background hue ranges for the coloration of the Wyoming Toad?How is the overall body shape of the Wyoming Toad characteristically described?In terms of arrangement, how are the dark, irregular dorsal blotches of *A. baxteri* often aligned?How does the tympanum size of the Wyoming Toad compare to that of the Western Toad (*Anaxyrus boreas*)?What environmental factor can cause the normally warty skin texture of *A. baxteri* to appear temporarily smoother?What combination of features defines the key distinguishing profile used by experts to identify *A. baxteri*?Around what age do the adult morphological features, including the full development of cranial crests, typically become evident in *A. baxteri*?What factor specifically causes identification challenges when trying to distinguish juvenile *A. baxteri* from juvenile Western Toads?
amphibianappearancecharacteristicToadWyoming