Toads differ from frogs in being drier to the touch, warty and less inclined to leap. A large number of species are found in almost every tropical, subtropical and temperate part of the world. They are not particularly demanding and make good pets, provided that they are given a few basic essentials and are well fed.

A vivarium for toads should have a deep layer of bark chippings or leaf-litter. Sand and gravel are suitable for the larger species or for species from desert areas. Provide hiding places for them, using bark, logs etc.

Living plants will survive in a vivarium for smaller toads, but large toads usually destroy plants in the course of their burrowing activities. It is not essential to have a water bowl in the vivarium but you should spray the enclose at regular intervals.

If heating is necessary, then an under-cage heat pad is ideal, the temperature at which they are kept depends mainly on where they come from.

The Oriental fire-bellied toad from Southeast Asia grows to about 2 inches long and is most beautifully coloured. Its back is bright green with black spots and blotches, whilst its underside is bright red with black markings.

This species and the other fire-bellied toads, spend more time in the water than many other species. They need a semi-aquatic vivarium with about 4 inches of water and a dry area of gravel and pieces of bark. The Oriental fire-bellied toad likes a temperature of around 68-77F, so a heat pad placed under the vivarium is recommended.

Fire-bellied toads spend much of their time floating just beneath the surface with only their snouts and eyes showing. When they see food in the form of small insects, they lunge for it, sometimes using their forelimbs to stuff it into their mouths.

Other groups of toads include the spadefoot toads that are found in Europe and North America. The American species live in dry regions, they avoid the driest time of year by burrowing beneath the surface and producing a cocoon of shed skins around their body, thus protecting themselves from drying out. During rainstorms, they dig to the surface to feed and to spawn in temporary bodies of water.

All these species are easy to keep, they require a deep layer of sandy soil and some flat pieces of rock or bark to hide under. They burrow to some extent but provided their enclosure is sprayed occasionally, they will not form a cocoon.

Spadefoot toads require a temperature of around 68-77F and a diet of insects, such as large crickets, locusts and cockroaches.