They differ from frogs chiefly by the total absence of teeth, and in certain other anatomical features. They live in cool, moist places and lay their eggs in water. The eggs are laid not in a mass as with frogs, but in long strings. They live mostly on land, are active at night, and hibernate in burrows during the winter.
Breeding takes place in winter and the eggs are laid in spring.
See also natterjack toad and Suriname toad .