Eastern Spadefoot
ExploreAmphibians
Eastern Spadefoot
scaphiopus holbrookii
The Eastern Spadefoot is a small, round frog that loves to dig in the sand. It can be found hopping around in the evening, especially after rain!
Habitat: They live in sandy or loose soil areas, often in grasslands and near ponds.
Appearance
The Eastern Spadefoot has smooth, mottled brown, gray, or yellowish skin, often with two faint light stripes down its back. It has prominent, golden eyes with unique vertical pupils, setting it apart from most other toads.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderAnuraFamilyScaphiopodidaeGenusScaphiopus
Category
AmphibiansRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Spadefoots can live most of their lives underground, only emerging during heavy rains!
Tadpoles of Eastern Spadefoots can grow incredibly fast to avoid drying out in temporary ponds!
They don't drink water; they soak it up through their skin like a sponge!
When threatened, these toads can puff up their bodies to appear much bigger and scarier!
Special abilities
Ability
Super Digger
Eastern Spadefoot can rapidly burrow backwards using hard, spade-like projections on its hind feet, which helps them escape predators and dry conditions.
Ability
Rain Responder
Eastern Spadefoot has an incredible ability to emerge quickly for explosive breeding after heavy rains, which helps them reproduce in temporary puddles.
Ability
Water Saver
Eastern Spadefoot can estivate underground for long periods, slowing its metabolism to survive droughts by conserving precious body water.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 4.4-6.3 cm
- Weight
- 0.015-0.03 kg
- Lifespan
- 6-9 years
- Top Speed
- 1.5 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 2000-8000
- Metamorphosis
- 14-56 days
Diet & Feeding
These hungry amphibians munch on many different kinds of small insects and other tiny creatures.
Age differences: Tadpoles are filter-feeders and detritivores, while adults are insectivores.
Primary Foods
- crickets
- beetles
- spiders
- caterpillars
- earthworms
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eaten by
Raccoon
Procyon lotor
Raccoons might dig up and eat spadefoots.
eaten by
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Garter snakes are common predators of amphibians.
eats
Fall Field Cricket
Gryllus pennsylvanicus
Spadefoots actively hunt and consume various crickets.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Burrowing
Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Holbrook's SpadefootSpadefoot Toad
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Eastern Spadefoot?
4.4-6.3 cm
How much does Eastern Spadefoot weigh?
0.015-0.03 kg
How long does Eastern Spadefoot live?
6-9 years
How fast can Eastern Spadefoot move?
1.5 km/h
What does Eastern Spadefoot eat?
These hungry amphibians munch on many different kinds of small insects and other tiny creatures.
Where is Eastern Spadefoot usually found?
They live in sandy or loose soil areas, often in grasslands and near ponds.
How does Eastern Spadefoot hunt?
Ambush
How many eggs does Eastern Spadefoot lay?
2000-8000
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