Description of samples for chemical analysis.
Figshare November 10, 2025 Marina D. Luccioni (22593281), Jules T. Wyman (22593284), Edgard O. Espinoza (14827902) et al.
The Sonoran Desert toad (Incilius alvarius) is the only animal known to secrete the psychedelic compound 5-MeO-DMT as a chemical defense, but its source was unknown. Analyzing toxin gland secretions and diet profiles from wild I. alvarius and sympatric anurans in Tucson, Arizona, all I. alvarius secreted high concentrations of 5-MeO-DMT, while other sympatric toads did not. The diet of I. alvarius was similar to that of other anurans, indicating no dietary specialization; slight differences appeared between toads in native versus urban habitats. These findings suggest diet is not directly linked to 5-MeO-DMT production, supporting hypotheses that the toad synthesizes it endogenously or via a microbial symbiont.