Spadefoot toads are amphibians known for their distinctive features. Unlike many other toad species, they possess unique vertical pupils, assisting their nocturnal vision. They also have relatively smooth skin, distinguishing them from the warty appearance of true toads. Their name comes from a hard, spade-like protrusion on their hind feet, which they use for digging.
Geographical Distribution
Spadefoot toads are native to North America, with species found across the continent. The Eastern spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus holbrookii) ranges along the East Coast of the United States, from southern New England to Florida and westward to the Mississippi River. Species like the Great Basin spadefoot and the Plains spadefoot are found in Western Canada and the northwestern U.S., with the Plains spadefoot also extending into Texas and northern Mexico.
The Southwestern United States and Mexico host several species, including Couch’s spadefoot, Hurter’s spadefoot, and the New Mexico spadefoot. The Western spadefoot toad is found in California and Baja California, Mexico. This distribution highlights their adaptation to diverse regions across North America, from arid climates to more temperate zones.
Preferred Terrestrial Environments
Spadefoot toads primarily inhabit environments with loose, often sandy soils, allowing them to construct burrows. They are commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions, including deserts, grasslands, and sandy plains. Their habitats also extend to areas with moderate temperatures and consistent rainfall, such as certain forest types, savannas, and agricultural lands.
Beyond soil type, spadefoot toads rely on temporary water sources for breeding. These include vernal pools, roadside ditches, and puddles that form after heavy rains, essential for their reproductive cycle.
Life Beneath the Surface
Much of a spadefoot toad’s life is spent underground, a behavior enabled by the specialized, spade-like structures on their hind feet. These protrusions allow them to dig backward, excavating burrows into the soil. This subterranean existence primarily protects them from extreme temperatures and predators.
By burrowing, spadefoot toads also conserve moisture through estivation, important in dry climates. They can remain buried for up to 8 to 10 months of the year, at depths ranging from several centimeters to meters below the surface. Toads emerge from their underground retreats mainly after heavy rains, to forage and breed.