How do frogs and toads differ in skin texture?

In the context of the order Anura, the distinction between frogs and toads based on skin texture is often superficial, as both are tailless amphibians and the labels themselves lack a strict taxonomic basis.1

Generally, however, the two groups are often differentiated by the following characteristics:

• Frogs: Typically possess skin that is smooth and moist. This moisture is essential for their survival, which is why they are frequently found near bodies of water.12
• Toads: Often characterized by skin that is dry, rough, and bumpy. Members of the family Bufonidae, or "true toads," are particularly known for having highly glandular skin covered in tubercles (small, round nodules) that give them a warty appearance.12

It is important to note that these features are not universal. Many frogs have rough, tubercular skin as an adaptation to less humid environments, and some toads are better at retaining moisture than others, allowing them to live further from water. Ultimately, because all toads are technically a subset of frogs, these physical differences are considered variations within the broader group rather than absolute biological divisions.12