The family occurs in warm areas all over the world, including parts of Central and South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Microhylids may be arboreal or terrestrial in some areas, but in the North American part of their range, they live primarily underground or buried under debris. Their pointed snouts and flattened bodies suit them well for their fossorial existence. They have fat little bodies with proportionally small legs and a fold behind the eyes. Click , or click on the picture of the toad, to hear its call.
Color is variable, ranging from brown or gray to reddish depending on weather conditions.
Their whiny sheep-like call can be heard loud and clear, but when they are crouched down in the grass, they are extremely difficult to locate. Once in hand, their plump bodies and short legs don't prevent them from squirming loose and darting away. Looks can be deceiving. Narrow-mouthed toads eat ants.