# 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. - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Common Spadefoot](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Pelobates_fuscus_fuscus.jpg&width=800) Photo: Franco Andreone - see authorization, CC BY-SA 2.5 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pelobates_fuscus_fuscus.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Anura - **Family:** Pelobatidae - **Genus:** Pelobates ## 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 - **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. - **Odor Shield:** Common Spadefoot has a special defense by secreting a strong-smelling, garlicky substance from its skin that helps them deter attackers. - **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 - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/grass-snake) (*Natrix natrix*) — A common predator in wetland and pond habitats. - **Eaten by:** [Red Fox](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/ground-beetle) (*Carabus nemoralis*) — One of many beetles caught while foraging at night. ## Traits - [Webbed Feet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/webbed-feet): Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming. - [Burrowing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/burrowing): Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always wash your hands after touching frogs and never pick them up roughly. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Common Spadefoot? Check the toe pads, leg length, eye markings, back pattern and body shape. Don't lean on color: some frogs change shade to match their surroundings. Frog Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## More Amphibians - [Eastern Red-backed Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-red-backed-salamander) (*Plethodon cinereus*) - [California Slender Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-slender-salamander) (*Batrachoseps attenuatus*) - [Cuban Tree Frog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cuban-tree-frog) (*Osteopilus septentrionalis*) - [European Toad](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-toad) (*Bufo bufo*) --- Source: [Common Spadefoot: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-spadefoot)