Asian Java Toad

Duttaphrynus melanostictus

aka Asian Spiny Toad

Duttaphrynus melanostictus, also known as the Asian common toad, is a species of toad found throughout Southeast Asia. They are a medium-sized toad, with adults ranging from around 2-4 inches in length.

Duttaphrynus melanostictus has a brown or grayish-brown body with distinctive black spots or blotches on its back. They are typically found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas, where they live in burrows or under leaf litter.

Like other toads, Duttaphrynus melanostictus has glands on its skin that secrete toxic substances as a defense mechanism against predators. These toxins can be harmful to predators and can cause irritation or allergic reactions in humans if the skin or secretions are handled or ingested.

Duttaphrynus melanostictus is a generalist feeder, consuming a wide variety of prey including insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. They are also known to opportunistically feed on small vertebrates such as lizards and frogs.

In some areas, Duttaphrynus melanostictus is considered a pest due to its propensity to consume agricultural crops. However, they also play an important role in controlling insect populations and are valued as a food source in some cultures.

In the pet trade, Duttaphrynus melanostictus is not commonly kept as a pet due to their toxic skin secretions and relatively low activity levels. If kept as a pet, they require a suitably-sized enclosure with appropriate substrate and environmental conditions, as well as a varied diet of live insects. It is important to handle them with caution and to avoid touching their skin or secretions.