A stocky toad-like amphibian with vertical pupils and a sharp "spade" on each hindfoot used to dig backward into soil. Spends most of life underground; emerges en masse only during heavy summer rains.

Also called: Eastern Spadefoot Toad

Native status: Native to eastern US

§ Quick facts

SizeAdult length 5–8 cm (2–3 in)
Weight20–60 g
LifespanWild typically 5–10 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. Stocky toad-like amphibian with smooth skin (not warty like true toads); vertical pupils (true toads have horizontal); prominent parotoid glands; black "spade" on hind feet.

Similar species. Plains Spadefoot (different range, more western). True toads (warty skin, horizontal pupils). Mexican Spadefoot (different range).

Voice. Loud nasal honking calls reminiscent of a duck or crow during breeding choruses.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Beetles, ants, termites, caterpillars, spiders, small invertebrates.

Behavior. Spends most of life underground — uses sharp keratinized "spade" on each hind foot to dig backward into loose soil, sometimes disappearing within seconds. Emerges only to feed on humid summer nights or to breed in ephemeral pools after heavy summer rains. Explosive breeders: entire local population may breed in single overnight event. Tadpoles develop extremely fast (sometimes 14–28 days), an adaptation to ephemeral water that may dry up.

§ Range

Eastern US from MA to FL and west to LA

§ Habitat

Sandy soils where they can burrow; emerges to breed in temporary ponds after heavy rain

§ Threats

Habitat loss to development, wetland drainage, road mortality during breeding events.

§ Conservation status

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

§ What helps

Maintain sandy uplands near pond habitat. Tolerate temporary post-rain ponds. Drive slowly on rainy summer nights.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • AmphibiaWeb
  • USGS PWRC
  • Center for North American Herpetology
  • IUCN Red List 2014