Incilius macrocristatus is a species of true toad in the family Bufonidae. It is endemic to the highland regions of southern Mexico.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Amphibia
- Order: Anura
- Family: Bufonidae
- Genus: Incilius
- Species: Incilius macrocristatus
- Authority: (Taylor, 1940)
Description
Incilius macrocristatus is a medium‑sized bufonid. Adults typically attain a snout‑vent length of 50–70 mm. The skin is warty, and the dorsum is generally brown to grayish with darker mottling or blotches. The species is distinguished by relatively prominent cranial crests on the head, a characteristic reflected in the specific epithet “macrocristatus” (Greek macro “large” + cristatus “crested”). Limbs are relatively robust, and the parotoid glands are well developed. Ventral surfaces are lighter, ranging from pale cream to yellowish.
Distribution and Habitat
The species is known from the Sierra Madre del Sur and adjacent highland areas in the Mexican states of Guerrero and Oaxaca. It inhabits montane pine‑oak and mixed coniferous forests, typically at elevations between 1,500 and 2,500 meters above sea level. Incilius macrocristatus is a terrestrial amphibian that utilizes leaf litter and ground cover, and it is often found near temporary or permanent streams where breeding occurs.
Ecology and Behavior
Reproductive activity is presumed to be seasonal, coinciding with the rainy period. Males call from the edges of water bodies, and eggs are laid in shallow aquatic environments. Like other bufonids, the species possesses toxic skin secretions that deter predators. Detailed studies of its diet, population dynamics, and specific breeding ecology are limited.
Conservation Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has evaluated Incilius macrocristatus; however, the latest assessment category is not specified in the current literature available to this entry. The species faces potential threats from habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, logging, and infrastructure development in its montane range. Conservation measures would benefit from targeted surveys to determine population trends and habitat requirements.
References
- Frost, D.R. (2024). Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.2. American Museum of Natural History.
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group. (2023). Incilius macrocristatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Note: Information presented is based on current scientific literature and taxonomic databases. Where data are lacking or uncertain, the entry reflects the limitation.