Common Spadefoot
ExploreAmphibians
Common Spadefoot
Pelobates fuscus
The Common Spadefoot is a special frog that loves to dig! It has big, strong feet that help it burrow into the ground. This helps it stay safe and cool in the dirt.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Common Spadefoot is a plump toad with smooth skin, typically mottled grey, brown, or olive, often with darker spots. It has prominent eyes with unique vertical pupils, setting it apart from most round-pupiled frogs. Its hind feet feature a hard, spade-like projection.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderAnuraFamilyPelobatidaeGenusPelobates
Category
AmphibiansRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Common Spadefoots often inflate their bodies with air to appear much larger when scared.
Their tadpoles can speed up or slow down their growth depending on how fast their pond is drying.
These amphibians are known to emerge in huge groups after heavy rain to find mates.
They have vertical pupils, like a cat, which is very unusual for an amphibian!
Special abilities
Ability
Super Digger
Common Spadefoot can burrow backwards into soil very quickly because of the hard spades on its hind feet that help them disappear from predators.
Ability
Odor Shield
Common Spadefoot has a special defense by secreting a strong-smelling, garlicky substance from its skin that helps them deter attackers.
Ability
Desert Survival
Common Spadefoot can survive dry periods by burrowing deep underground, which helps them stay moist and cool until rain returns.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 3.5-6.5 cm
- Weight
- 0.005-0.02 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years
- Top Speed
- 0.5 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 1000-2500
- Metamorphosis
- 60-100 days
Diet & Feeding
This amphibian mostly eats various small invertebrates, like insects and worms, to get its energy.
Age differences: Tadpoles eat algae and detritus; adults are carnivorous, hunting insects and other invertebrates.
Primary Foods
- Insects
- Spiders
- Earthworms
- Slugs
- Snails
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eaten by
Grass Snake
Natrix natrix
A common predator in wetland and pond habitats.
eaten by
Red Fox
Vulpes vulpes
Foxes can dig them out from their underground burrows.
hunts
Common Earthworm
Lumbricus terrestris
A primary food source found in their sandy burrowing grounds.
hunts
Ground Beetle
Carabus nemoralis
One of many beetles caught while foraging at night.
Traits
Webbed Feet
Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming.
Burrowing
Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always wash your hands after touching frogs and never pick them up roughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Common Spadefoot?
3.5-6.5 cm
How much does Common Spadefoot weigh?
0.005-0.02 kg
How long does Common Spadefoot live?
5-10 years
How fast can Common Spadefoot move?
0.5 km/h
What does Common Spadefoot eat?
This amphibian mostly eats various small invertebrates, like insects and worms, to get its energy.
Where is Common Spadefoot usually found?
Grasslands
How does Common Spadefoot hunt?
Ambush
How many eggs does Common Spadefoot lay?
1000-2500
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