Gastrophryne carolinensis
Encyclopedia
The Eastern Narrowmouth Toad (Gastrophryne carolinensis) is a species
of microhylid
frog
. It is a relatively small, toad-like amphibian
found in damp, shady habitats. The species is highly fossorial
, and feeds primarily on ants. These North American microhylids (Family: Microhylidae
) are distinguished from true toads (genus Bufo), and other anurans due to their moist, smooth skin, their lack of eardrum or tympanum
, it’s distinguishable squat body shape, and the unique fold of skin superior to their eyes. It is found in the United States
, from southern Maryland
to the Florida
keys, west to Missouri
and Texas
. While not a true toad
, they are so called because they are terrestrial.
, grey
, to green
, often with black
and white
spotting.
Gastrophryne carolinensis toads have a typical teardrop-shaped body that is characteristic to members of the Microhylidae
family. Though it’s morphology lacks a tympanum (eardrum
), the subgular vocal sac is clearly visible. The Eastern narrow-mouthed toad can grow to approximately 3.8 centimeters (1.5 inches) long. They have a distinguishable pointed, narrow head with a small mouth, and a fold of skin that runs immediately behind their small eyes, and when viewed from above, the species appears ovoid.
An uncommon characteristic among other varieties of toads is their skin. Though most toads have rough skin that is usually lumpy in appearance and texture, the skin of Gastrophryne carolinensis is smooth and without ridges or warts. Yet, the skin is extremely tough, which most likely protects themselves from the ants they feed upon.
The color of the toad varies from brown, red, light tan, black, grey, to olive green, and can change its color depending on its activities and environment. The colors on its sides are generally faded, but its dorsum
is dark and broad with various light or dark spots, mottling, or patches that cover the light strip along its middorsal area. Its stomach is generally highly mottled, but its ventral surface is nearly light or unmarked. The venter
s of certain Narrow-mouthed Toads in the Great Plains
are generally unmarked, or virtually so, while the venter
s of eastern toads are strongly pigmented.
Its legs are generally stubby with short, heavy legs, and the tips of the toes are round and tapered. Like the Leptodactylidae
, the toes are absent of webbing or toe pads. However, the heels on the back foot have one “spade” or tubercle
for digging.
The sexual orientation of the Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad can easily be determined due to its characteristic sexual dimorphism
. The coloration of the throat region for males is dark and highly pigmented, while the females throat is absent of this discriminate coloration.
and the Appalachia
's.
family that is native to the United States. The species resides in the southeastern quarter of the United States, extending from west to Missouri
and eastern Texas
, and from southern Maryland
to the Florida Keys
, as well as in an isolated colony in Iowa
. Many have also been introduced to the little and great Bahamas, as well as the Cayman Islands
.
General habitat types include:
is equally abundant. Though this particular species of microhylid’s experienced a severe population
bottleneck effect in the past, its succeeding expansion has allowed its current population trend to remain stable.
The mating call sounds like a high-pitched, penetrating, nasal sheep-like bleat. It may also sound like a buzzing quality, and lasts for approximately 1 to 1.5 seconds. Unlike other frog and toad species, G. carolinensis does not exhibit the typical trill sound in their mating call.
In the south, April to October rains initiate their breeding season, or midsummer in areas farther to the north. They congregate to breeding ponds depending on the heavy spring and early summer rains. The G. carolinensis species is particularly successful at breeding in ephemeral
bodies of water. When the male amplexes the female, special glands in the sternal region of males secretes a sticky substance to allow adhesion of breeding pairs, and also presumably to help him resist other males’ attempts to dislodge him. Breeding grasp (amplexus) for the toad species is axillary
(behind the forelimbs).
The G. carolinensis toads are weak jumpers, and thus, either run or move by short and rapid hops. In general, the males generally move more than the females.
These toads are mainly nocturnal, and generally remain underground or hidden in debris during the day.
A few species are reported to prey on the "Gastrophryne carolinensis" toads such as the Copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix
) and the common garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis). Other known predators include the glossy watersnakes (Regina rigida
), the Eastern cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus
), and the Cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis).
This particular toad species avoids predators by burrowing, seeking cover, and/or nocturnal activity patterns. Chemically, they are also capable of producing mucous secretions that produce a violent burning sensation, irritate membranes. The toxins secreted from their skin deter predators, but they also plays a role in inhibiting ant attacks when individuals forage near ant mounds.
The G. carolinensis toads are accomplished burrowers, and are seldom seen on the surface of the ground. Though they may be present in large numbers, their existence is hardly suspected.
Though they are not known to establish territories, their mating calling positions can be as close as 2 cm, or as distant as several meters apart.
Though little is known about its fossil
records and evolutionary history, a few fossils belonging to the Miocene
Epoch
have been found in Florida.
The ilia
of Gastrophryne is very distinctive and different from other small anurans. Based on observances of the different developmental features of the ilium between G. carolinensis and G. olivacea, it appears that the two species could have differentiated from the early Miocene
.
category and criteria, Gastrophryne carolinensis is listed as a species of least concern due to it’s presumed large population, wide distribution, and ability to adapt to various habitats. Thus, no conservation actions are currently needed, though the population
in northern Maryland
is protected as an endangered species.
Species
In biology, a species is one of the basic units of biological classification and a taxonomic rank. A species is often defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. While in many cases this definition is adequate, more precise or differing measures are...
of microhylid
Microhylidae
Microhylidae is a geographically widespread family of frogs. There are 413 species in 69 genera and nine subfamilies, which is the largest number of genera of any frog family.-Description:...
frog
Frog
Frogs are amphibians in the order Anura , formerly referred to as Salientia . Most frogs are characterized by a short body, webbed digits , protruding eyes and the absence of a tail...
. It is a relatively small, toad-like amphibian
Amphibian
Amphibians , are a class of vertebrate animals including animals such as toads, frogs, caecilians, and salamanders. They are characterized as non-amniote ectothermic tetrapods...
found in damp, shady habitats. The species is highly fossorial
Fossorial
A fossorial organism is one that is adapted to digging and life underground such as the badger, the naked mole rat, and the mole salamanders Ambystomatidae...
, and feeds primarily on ants. These North American microhylids (Family: Microhylidae
Microhylidae
Microhylidae is a geographically widespread family of frogs. There are 413 species in 69 genera and nine subfamilies, which is the largest number of genera of any frog family.-Description:...
) are distinguished from true toads (genus Bufo), and other anurans due to their moist, smooth skin, their lack of eardrum or tympanum
Tympanum (zoology)
The tympanum is an external hearing structure in animals such as frogs, toads, insects, and mammals, to name a few.-Anurans:In frogs and toads, it is located just behind the eye. It does not actually process sound waves; it simply transmits them to the amphibian's inner ear, which is protected...
, it’s distinguishable squat body shape, and the unique fold of skin superior to their eyes. It is found in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, from southern Maryland
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
to the Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
keys, west to Missouri
Missouri
Missouri is a US state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. With a 2010 population of 5,988,927, Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the nation and the fifth most populous in the Midwest. It...
and Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
. While not a true toad
Toad
A toad is any of a number of species of amphibians in the order Anura characterized by dry, leathery skin , short legs, and snoat-like parotoid glands...
, they are so called because they are terrestrial.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
Members of Gastrophryne carolinensis belong to one of the largest anuran families, the microhylids. No subspecies are currently recognized.Description
Eastern narrowmouth toads are comparably small, growing to a maximum length of approximately 5.33 centimeters (2.1 inches). They have an oval shaped body and a narrow head with a pointed snout. They vary in color from brownBrown
Brown is a color term, denoting a range of composite colors produced by a mixture of orange, red, rose, or yellow with black or gray. The term is from Old English brún, in origin for any dusky or dark shade of color....
, grey
Grey
Grey or gray is an achromatic or neutral color.Complementary colors are defined to mix to grey, either additively or subtractively, and many color models place complements opposite each other in a color wheel. To produce grey in RGB displays, the R, G, and B primary light sources are combined in...
, to green
Green
Green is a color, the perception of which is evoked by light having a spectrum dominated by energy with a wavelength of roughly 520–570 nanometres. In the subtractive color system, it is not a primary color, but is created out of a mixture of yellow and blue, or yellow and cyan; it is considered...
, often with black
Black
Black is the color of objects that do not emit or reflect light in any part of the visible spectrum; they absorb all such frequencies of light...
and white
White
White is a color, the perception of which is evoked by light that stimulates all three types of color sensitive cone cells in the human eye in nearly equal amounts and with high brightness compared to the surroundings. A white visual stimulation will be void of hue and grayness.White light can be...
spotting.
Gastrophryne carolinensis toads have a typical teardrop-shaped body that is characteristic to members of the Microhylidae
Microhylidae
Microhylidae is a geographically widespread family of frogs. There are 413 species in 69 genera and nine subfamilies, which is the largest number of genera of any frog family.-Description:...
family. Though it’s morphology lacks a tympanum (eardrum
Eardrum
The eardrum, or tympanic membrane, is a thin membrane that separates the external ear from the middle ear in humans and other tetrapods. Its function is to transmit sound from the air to the ossicles inside the middle ear. The malleus bone bridges the gap between the eardrum and the other ossicles...
), the subgular vocal sac is clearly visible. The Eastern narrow-mouthed toad can grow to approximately 3.8 centimeters (1.5 inches) long. They have a distinguishable pointed, narrow head with a small mouth, and a fold of skin that runs immediately behind their small eyes, and when viewed from above, the species appears ovoid.
An uncommon characteristic among other varieties of toads is their skin. Though most toads have rough skin that is usually lumpy in appearance and texture, the skin of Gastrophryne carolinensis is smooth and without ridges or warts. Yet, the skin is extremely tough, which most likely protects themselves from the ants they feed upon.
The color of the toad varies from brown, red, light tan, black, grey, to olive green, and can change its color depending on its activities and environment. The colors on its sides are generally faded, but its dorsum
Dorsum (anatomy)
In anatomy, the dorsum is the upper side of animals that typically run, fly, or swim in a horizontal position, and the back side of animals that walk upright. In vertebrates the dorsum contains the backbone. The term dorsal refers to anatomical structures that are either situated toward or grow...
is dark and broad with various light or dark spots, mottling, or patches that cover the light strip along its middorsal area. Its stomach is generally highly mottled, but its ventral surface is nearly light or unmarked. The venter
Venter
Venter is a surname, and may refer to:* Brendan Venter - Rugby union footballer* Christoffel Venter - South African military commander* Craig Venter - American biologist and businessman...
s of certain Narrow-mouthed Toads in the Great Plains
Great Plains
The Great Plains are a broad expanse of flat land, much of it covered in prairie, steppe and grassland, which lies west of the Mississippi River and east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States and Canada. This area covers parts of the U.S...
are generally unmarked, or virtually so, while the venter
Venter
Venter is a surname, and may refer to:* Brendan Venter - Rugby union footballer* Christoffel Venter - South African military commander* Craig Venter - American biologist and businessman...
s of eastern toads are strongly pigmented.
Its legs are generally stubby with short, heavy legs, and the tips of the toes are round and tapered. Like the Leptodactylidae
Leptodactylidae
Leptodactylidae is a diverse family of frogs that probably diverged from other hyloids during the Cenozoic era, or possibly at the end of the Mesozoic. There are roughly 50 genera, one of which is Eleutherodactylus, the largest vertebrate genus, with over 700 species...
, the toes are absent of webbing or toe pads. However, the heels on the back foot have one “spade” or tubercle
Tubercle
A tubercle is generally a wart-like projection, but it has slightly different meaning depending on which family of plants or animals it is used to refer to....
for digging.
The sexual orientation of the Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad can easily be determined due to its characteristic sexual dimorphism
Sexual dimorphism
Sexual dimorphism is a phenotypic difference between males and females of the same species. Examples of such differences include differences in morphology, ornamentation, and behavior.-Examples:-Ornamentation / coloration:...
. The coloration of the throat region for males is dark and highly pigmented, while the females throat is absent of this discriminate coloration.
Altitudes
The narrow-mouthed toads can reach elevations up to 550 meters (1,800 feet). They are generally absent from most Blue Ridge MountainsBlue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains are a physiographic province of the larger Appalachian Mountains range. This province consists of northern and southern physiographic regions, which divide near the Roanoke River gap. The mountain range is located in the eastern United States, starting at its southern-most...
and the Appalachia
Appalachia
Appalachia is a term used to describe a cultural region in the eastern United States that stretches from the Southern Tier of New York state to northern Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. While the Appalachian Mountains stretch from Belle Isle in Canada to Cheaha Mountain in the U.S...
's.
Geographic location
G. carolinensis is only one of three species belonging to the MicrohylidaeMicrohylidae
Microhylidae is a geographically widespread family of frogs. There are 413 species in 69 genera and nine subfamilies, which is the largest number of genera of any frog family.-Description:...
family that is native to the United States. The species resides in the southeastern quarter of the United States, extending from west to Missouri
Missouri
Missouri is a US state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. With a 2010 population of 5,988,927, Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the nation and the fifth most populous in the Midwest. It...
and eastern Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, and from southern Maryland
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
to the Florida Keys
Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are a coral archipelago in southeast United States. They begin at the southeastern tip of the Florida peninsula, about south of Miami, and extend in a gentle arc south-southwest and then westward to Key West, the westernmost of the inhabited islands, and on to the uninhabited Dry...
, as well as in an isolated colony in Iowa
Iowa
Iowa is a state located in the Midwestern United States, an area often referred to as the "American Heartland". It derives its name from the Ioway people, one of the many American Indian tribes that occupied the state at the time of European exploration. Iowa was a part of the French colony of New...
. Many have also been introduced to the little and great Bahamas, as well as the Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory and overseas territory of the European Union located in the western Caribbean Sea. The territory comprises the three islands of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman, located south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica...
.
Habitat/Range Description
Although they live in a broad range of habitats and are rather ubiquitous, their most important environmental variables must include moisture and shelter. They reside in either freshwater or terrestrial systems, and are able to utilize both temporary and permanent waters, as well as human modified habitats. The members of this species tend to discount dry areas and mountains, though some may live in near desert-like conditions.General habitat types include:
- Borders of swamps
- Cypress-gum swamps
- Bottomland hardwoods
- Live-oak ridges
- Pine-oak uplands
- Sandy woodlands and hillsides
- Open woods
- Pine forests
- Coastal secondary dune scrub forest
- Maritime forests
- Small streams
- Beneath logs
- Near ponds with fallen logs and other debris
- Urban habitats such as:
- Woodland lots
- Sandy pinelands
- Suburban Habitats such as:
- Sandy soils around the lawn
Population
The species population is currently large throughout most of its range, and also in many suburban locations. Additionally, the species introduced to Grand CaymanGrand Cayman
Grand Cayman is the largest of the three Cayman Islands and the location of the nation's capital, George Town. In relation to the other two Cayman Islands, it is approximately 75 miles southwest of Little Cayman and 90 miles southwest of Cayman Brac.-Geography:Grand Cayman encompasses 76% of...
is equally abundant. Though this particular species of microhylid’s experienced a severe population
Population
A population is all the organisms that both belong to the same group or species and live in the same geographical area. The area that is used to define a sexual population is such that inter-breeding is possible between any pair within the area and more probable than cross-breeding with individuals...
bottleneck effect in the past, its succeeding expansion has allowed its current population trend to remain stable.
Size/description at reproductive maturity
Adults range from 22 to 35 mm (0.9-1.4 inches) in body length; females usually attain larger sizes than males and exceed a little over 1.25 inches. Adult males are at an inch or less in length. Males can be distinguished from females during breeding season due to the visibility of a dark-pigmented vocal sac on their throat. Breeding males also exhibit enlarged tubercles on the chin, as well as a visible anterior edge of the lower jaw.Breeding habitat
G. carolinensis reproduce in aquatic habits, and may breed in either temporary or permanent waters. The toad species will breed in deep water only if it is covered with a dense mat of floating vegetation/debris. They may also breed in ephemeral aquatic habitats such as temporary ponds, roadside ditches, borrow pits, deep wheel ruts in dirt roads, and shallow drainage ditches.Breeding migrations
The male toad species call for mating at reproductive maturity. They generally call from the edge of the water when concealed by plant debris. Though more rare, they have also been observed to call while floating in the water with their forelimbs resting on stem or twig. Many times, they will also extend their hind limbs. They can also call the female while sitting on a bank, or on rainy nights while buried in the damp sand with only their head and vocal sac exposed.The mating call sounds like a high-pitched, penetrating, nasal sheep-like bleat. It may also sound like a buzzing quality, and lasts for approximately 1 to 1.5 seconds. Unlike other frog and toad species, G. carolinensis does not exhibit the typical trill sound in their mating call.
In the south, April to October rains initiate their breeding season, or midsummer in areas farther to the north. They congregate to breeding ponds depending on the heavy spring and early summer rains. The G. carolinensis species is particularly successful at breeding in ephemeral
Ephemeral
Ephemeral things are transitory, existing only briefly. Typically the term is used to describe objects found in nature, although it can describe a wide range of things....
bodies of water. When the male amplexes the female, special glands in the sternal region of males secretes a sticky substance to allow adhesion of breeding pairs, and also presumably to help him resist other males’ attempts to dislodge him. Breeding grasp (amplexus) for the toad species is axillary
Axillary
Axillary means "related to the axilla "."Axillary" may refer to:* Axillary artery* Axillary vein* Axillary nerve* Axillary bud...
(behind the forelimbs).
Egg deposition
The female spawns clear marble-like eggs on the surface of the water, which is deposited as a mosaic structure. The egg mass is round or squarish, with approximately 10 to 150 eggs deposited as clusters in each mass. The female deposits over 800 tiny eggs that hatch within 1.5 to 3 days.Larvae Metamorphosis
Tadpoles transform in approximately 23–67 days, and unlike other anurans, the larvae of G. carolinensis filter-feed on plankton.Post-metamorphic
The tadpole’s head has a pointed head with lateral eyes, and appears dorso-laterally flattened when viewed from above. Their bodies are dark in color (almost jet black), and are flecked with blue. Its belly is marked with lateral whitish blotches, and the intestinal coil is not transparent through the skin. A lateral white stripe extends from the body to the tail, and a single spiracle is visible from the anus. The tadpole’s head is slightly pointed, and its tailfins are dark dipped and dark-flecked. They lack beaklike mandibles and the specialized labial tooth generally associated with most tadpoles. The newly transformed toads range from approximately 7–12 mm (0.3-0.5 in) in body length. Like adults, they are found to share the same habitat, and the older stages of the larvae are also toxic to many predators. The males reach sexual maturity in a year, while the females reach sexual maturity in approximately 1–2 years of age.Feeding behavior
These toads feed predominantly on ants, termites, small beetles, and other various arthropods, and have been found feeding immediately at the opening of anthills. These various arthropods make up to 75% of their diet, though other prey include small snails, spiders, mites, collembolans (collembola), and lepidopterans.Life History and Behavior
- Movement
The G. carolinensis toads are weak jumpers, and thus, either run or move by short and rapid hops. In general, the males generally move more than the females.
- Sleeping patterns
These toads are mainly nocturnal, and generally remain underground or hidden in debris during the day.
- Predators
A few species are reported to prey on the "Gastrophryne carolinensis" toads such as the Copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix
Agkistrodon contortrix
Agkistrodon contortrix is a species of venomous snake found in North America, a member of the Crotalinae subfamily. The more common name for the species is "copperhead". The behavior of Agkistrodon contortrix may lead to accidental encounters with humans...
) and the common garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis). Other known predators include the glossy watersnakes (Regina rigida
Regina rigida
Regina rigida is a species of snake endemic to the southeastern United States. The species contains three subspecies:* Regina rigida deltae * Regina rigida rigida...
), the Eastern cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus
Agkistrodon piscivorus
Agkistrodon piscivorus is a venomous snake, a species of pit viper, found in the southeastern United States. Adults are large and capable of delivering a painful and potentially fatal bite. When antagonized they will stand their ground by coiling their bodies and displaying their fangs...
), and the Cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis).
- Anti-predator methods
This particular toad species avoids predators by burrowing, seeking cover, and/or nocturnal activity patterns. Chemically, they are also capable of producing mucous secretions that produce a violent burning sensation, irritate membranes. The toxins secreted from their skin deter predators, but they also plays a role in inhibiting ant attacks when individuals forage near ant mounds.
- Other behavior
The G. carolinensis toads are accomplished burrowers, and are seldom seen on the surface of the ground. Though they may be present in large numbers, their existence is hardly suspected.
- Territories
Though they are not known to establish territories, their mating calling positions can be as close as 2 cm, or as distant as several meters apart.
- Fossil records
Though little is known about its fossil
Fossil
Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of animals , plants, and other organisms from the remote past...
records and evolutionary history, a few fossils belonging to the Miocene
Miocene
The Miocene is a geological epoch of the Neogene Period and extends from about . The Miocene was named by Sir Charles Lyell. Its name comes from the Greek words and and means "less recent" because it has 18% fewer modern sea invertebrates than the Pliocene. The Miocene follows the Oligocene...
Epoch
Epoch (geology)
An epoch is a subdivision of the geologic timescale based on rock layering. In order, the higher subdivisions are periods, eras and eons. We are currently living in the Holocene epoch...
have been found in Florida.
The ilia
Ilia
-Science and Medicine:*Apatura ilia or Lesser Purple Emperor, a butterfly*Ilium , pelvic bone-Places:*Ilia, Hunedoara, Romania*Ilia Prefecture, Greece*Ilia Province, Greece*Ilia Gechikov, Belarus-Arts and literature:...
of Gastrophryne is very distinctive and different from other small anurans. Based on observances of the different developmental features of the ilium between G. carolinensis and G. olivacea, it appears that the two species could have differentiated from the early Miocene
Miocene
The Miocene is a geological epoch of the Neogene Period and extends from about . The Miocene was named by Sir Charles Lyell. Its name comes from the Greek words and and means "less recent" because it has 18% fewer modern sea invertebrates than the Pliocene. The Miocene follows the Oligocene...
.
Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red ListIUCN Red List
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species , founded in 1963, is the world's most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature is the world's main authority on the conservation status of species...
category and criteria, Gastrophryne carolinensis is listed as a species of least concern due to it’s presumed large population, wide distribution, and ability to adapt to various habitats. Thus, no conservation actions are currently needed, though the population
Population
A population is all the organisms that both belong to the same group or species and live in the same geographical area. The area that is used to define a sexual population is such that inter-breeding is possible between any pair within the area and more probable than cross-breeding with individuals...
in northern Maryland
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
is protected as an endangered species.