Plains Spadefoot
Other Names: SpadefootScientific Name: Spea bombifrons
(Formerly: Scaphiopus bombifrons)
Family: Scaphiopodidae
Return to Frog and Toad Identification
Description & Size
- Slimly, smooth skin
- Long hind legs
- Small external eardrum (tympanum)
- Raised area (boss) of the skin between the eyes
- Vertically elliptical pupils
- Dark, spade on each hind feet
- Total length: 3.2-6.4 cm (1.3-2.5 in)
- Back color: tan to dark brown
- 2 to 4 cream colored stripes running form the neck to the rump
- Belly color: white
Habitat
- Prairies and grasslands
- Sagebrush habitat
- Farmland
- Loose soils
Diet
- Either herbivorous or carnivorous (larvae)
- Invertebrates
Sound
Listen to the Plains Spadefoot Toad calls
Life History
- Nocturnal (emerge after rains) (Bragg, 1967)
- Active season: April – July
- Breeding season: Right after it rains enough to make temporary ponds (explosive)
- Lays eggs
- 100-500 eggs per female
