Scientific Name: Bufo variegatus.
Common Names: Variegated Toad, Christmas Toad, Chilean Toad.
Distribution: Chile, Peru.
Size: 4-5cm.
Sexing: The males of this species are often the smaller sex, and nuptial pads are in place on the first fingers. The males rarely call but when they do they produce a sound not unlike that of a chick.
Colouration: Green - brown backgrounds with a light grey dorsal stripe and often light grey markings down either side. The underside is off-white with reticulated black spots
Requirements: These toads are small individuals with a tendency to walk rather than jump and require a fairly small terrarium. A 24"x12"x12" tank would be adequate for an adult pair. They require a humid woodland type set-up with a substrate of bark chips, sandy topsoil, and moss. Furnishings such as logs, cork bark, rock and sturdy leafed plants can be arranged to provide a number of climbing and hiding places. A small shallow water bowl (no deeper than the toad's height at rest) must be provided with clean de-chlorinated or spring water. The tank will need to be heated to a daytime temperature of 25 - 26°C with a drop at night to 20-22°C this can be done with an under-tank heat-mat controlled by a thermostat. It is not advisable to use spot / heat lamps with amphibians and so a separate light source should be provided by the means of a fluorescent UVB tube.
Maintenance: Water will need changing daily to avoid the build up of ammonia and bacteria. Whilst changing the water it is a good idea to spot clean the tank and remove, clean, and replace any soiled items. At least once a month the entire terrarium and it's contents should be striped, cleaned, and sterilized using an amphibian friendly disinfectant.
Feeding: Juvenile Toads should be fed daily with a mixture of suitably sized insects including hatchling crickets, white worm and fruit fly. The food items should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement two-three times a week. Adult Toads should be fed every two-three days with a mixture of crickets, earthworms, waxworm, and ants. The food items should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement once a week.
