The larvae rest on top of the sand and forage for diatoms and other microorganisms in the areas between the sand grains. Some metamorphs stay in the riparian area year-round, while others may move into upland habitat as far as 0.8 miles away. The metamorphs then grow to adult arroyo toads two to three inches in length. That means that in a good year, for example, out of 10,000 eggs, about 100 metamorphose. In a bad year, perhaps only one or two small toads make it if they re lucky.
Arroyo toads are nocturnal for most of their lives.
For the most part, adults spend their nights foraging for food and moving to and from their burrows. The toads either take refuge in mammals burrows or dig their own. But many things are still unknown, like exactly how far arroyo toads move and how many individuals exist. Most breeding occurs between February and June. It ranges from five to 10 seconds in length.