Plains Spadefoot Toad
Spea bombifrons
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAmphibia · Anura · Scaphiopodidae
About
The plains spadefoot toad is a species of American spadefoot toad which ranges from southwestern Canada, throughout the Great Plains of the western United States, and into northern Mexico. Like other species of spadefoot toads, they get their name from a spade-like projection on their hind legs which allows them to dig into sandy soils. Their name, in part, comes from their keratinized metatarsals, which are wide instead of "sickle shaped". The species name translates as buzzing leaf shaped. This refers to the species' distinguishing features; its buzzing mating call, and its leaf-shaped digging metatarsals. It was first described by Cope in 1863.
Fun Fact
Tadpole "nests" can be seen in most xeric amphibians, and are well described in the fossil record, such as at the St.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Ranges from southwestern Canada, throughout the Great Plains of the western United States, and into northern Mexico.
Diet
Scavenger
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance