Habitat Great Plains toads are found in open grasslands, prairies, and cultivated fields. They need water in which to breed in the form of temporary or permanent water. Large wetlands to irigation ditches to even puddles are used . These toads are mostly active at night, especially in hot, humid weather. They spend most of their time underground in burrows they dig themselves with a tough spade-like projection on their hind feet.
Spring rains induce the toads to breed.
They migrate to the breeding site and the males begin to call. The call is like an American toads', but it is more mechanical and riveting sounding. The inflated vocal sack is sausage shaped and extends upward past the snout. Females lay strings of thousands of eggs which the male fertilizes externally. They may emerge from their burrows at other times of the year such as at night during periods of high humidity or during heavy thunderstorms, again mostly after sunset.