A small toad-like amphibian with sharp digging spade on hind feet. Buries underground during dry seasons; emerges to breed in temporary rain pools.

Also called: Mexican Spadefoot Toad, New Mexico Spadefoot

Native status: Native to southwestern US and Mexico

§ Quick facts

SizeAdult length 4–6.5 cm (1.6–2.6 in)
Weight15–35 g
LifespanWild typically 5–13 years
OrderAnura
FamilyScaphiopodidae

§ Encyclopedia

The New Mexico spadefoot toad is a species of American spadefoot toad found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other species of spadefoot toad, they get their name from a distinctive spade-like projections on their hind legs, which enable them to dig in sandy soils. Spea multiplicata can be identified by its wedge-shaped spade. Some sources also refer to the species as the Mexican spadefoot toad, desert spadefoot toad or southern spadefoot toad.

Source: Wikipedia — New Mexico spadefoot toad Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Small stout toad-like amphibian with smooth greenish-gray skin; vertical pupils (key spadefoot feature); two boss-like protrusions between eyes; sharp black spade on each hind foot.

Similar species. Plains Spadefoot (different range, similar appearance). Couch's Spadefoot (different snout). True toads (horizontal pupils, warty skin).

Voice. Loud nasal "waa-waa-waa" calls during breeding.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Insects (beetles, ants, termites, grasshoppers), spiders, occasionally small vertebrates.

Behavior. Desert specialist of southwestern US and adjacent Mexico. Spends most of life buried in soft soil; emerges only during the brief summer monsoon season. Among the fastest-developing US tadpoles — metamorphosis complete in 7–8 days under optimal conditions, an extreme adaptation to the few weeks of available water in desert pools. Some larvae develop as carnivorous "morphs" that eat smaller spadefoot larvae.

§ Range

Southwestern US, Mexico

§ Habitat

Sandy and rocky desert habitats

§ Threats

Habitat loss, climate change, urban development.

§ Conservation status

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

§ What helps

Support desert conservation. Drive slowly on rural nights in monsoon season.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • AmphibiaWeb
  • USGS PWRC
  • Arizona Game and Fish Department
  • IUCN Red List 2014