A small toad-like amphibian with sharp digging spades on hind feet.

Also called: Eastern Spadefoot

Native status: Native to eastern US

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 4–7 cm
Weight10–40 g
LifespanWild 7–12 years
OrderAnura
FamilyScaphiopodidae

§ Encyclopedia

Scaphiopus holbrookii, commonly known as the eastern spadefoot, is a species of American spadefoot toad endemic to the eastern United States. It is not considered a true toad, with Bufonidae being the family of "true toads".

Source: Wikipedia — Scaphiopus holbrookii Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium toad with brown or gray skin; vertical pupils; sharp spade-like digging tubercle on hind feet; lacks parotoid glands.

Similar species. Other US Spadefoots (different ranges, subtle markings). True toads (Bufonidae; horizontal pupils, prominent parotoid glands).

Voice. Loud "wank-wank-wank" duck-like call.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Insects, small invertebrates.

Behavior. Burrowing toad of eastern sandy soils. Vertical pupils (vs. horizontal in other US toads). Emerges from underground burrows only on rainy nights to breed in temporary pools. Most rapid amphibian larval development in North America — can transform from egg to froglet in as few as 14 days.

§ Range

Eastern US

§ Habitat

Sandy soils

§ Threats

Habitat loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the spadefoot toad (eastern) is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support sandy upland conservation.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • AmphibiaWeb
  • Davidson College Herpetology Lab
  • IUCN Red List 2014