Iberian Spadefoot

pelobates cultripes

The Iberian Spadefoot is a fascinating, stocky amphibian native to the Iberian Peninsula and parts of western France. What makes this spadefoot truly remarkable is its highly specialized subterranean lifestyle; it is a master digger that spends a significant portion of its life buried safely underground. Equipped with sharp, hardened black "spades" on its hind feet, it can burrow backwards into sandy or loose soil in a matter of seconds to escape predators and survive dry Mediterranean summers. Only emerging under the cover of darkness during rainy periods, this secretive creature plays a vital role in its native ecosystems as both a predator of invertebrates and a food source for larger animals.

Habitat: Found in open landscapes with loose, sandy soils such as dunes, pine forests, and agricultural areas, always situated near temporary breeding pools.

Appearance

Adult Iberian Spadefoots are medium-sized, typically measuring between 6 to 10 centimeters in length with a robust, rounded body shape and no distinct neck. Their smooth skin ranges in color from pale gray or beige to yellowish-green, heavily mottled with dark green, brown, or olive blotches. Their most striking features are their large, prominent eyes with vertical, cat-like pupils and the highly distinctive, hard black metatarsal tubercle (the "spade") located on the inner edge of each hind foot.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderAnuraFamilyPelobatidaeGenusPelobates

Iberian Spadefoot

Interesting facts

The distinct garlic odor they release when handled is so strong that it has earned them the local nickname 'garlic toad' in several regions.

Their tadpoles are absolute giants, frequently reaching lengths of up to 15 centimeters before shrinking down during metamorphosis.

Unlike most European frogs and toads, they have vertical, slit-like pupils similar to those of a cat.

Special abilities

Using the sharp, keratinized black spades on its hind heels, this amphibian can dig vertically backwards into loose soil to quickly disappear from predators.

To survive the intense heat and drought of the Mediterranean summer, it can burrow deep underground and enter a dormant state for months.

When threatened or seized by a predator, it can secrete a noxious, garlic-scented substance from its skin glands to deter attackers.

Measurements & details

Length: 6+ cm
Weight: 0.02+ kg
Lifespan: 8+ years
Clutch Size: 1000+
Incubation: 7+ days

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed opportunistically at night on a wide variety of terrestrial invertebrates, while their large aquatic tadpoles graze on algae, organic detritus, and tiny water organisms.

Age differences: Tadpoles are primarily herbivorous and detritivorous, scraping algae from surfaces, whereas metamorphosed adults are strictly carnivorous insectivores.

Primary Foods

Beetles
Earthworms
Spiders
Snails
Ants

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Viperine Snake

Natrix maura

The viperine snake actively preys on spadefoot tadpoles and young metamorphs in temporary breeding pools.

eaten by

White Stork

Ciconia ciconia

Adult spadefoots emerging during wet nights are a key seasonal food source for white storks.

eaten by

Red Swamp Crayfish

Procambarus clarkii

Invasive crayfish prey heavily on the eggs and larvae of the spadefoot, severely impacting local populations.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Iberian Spadefoot?

The easiest way to identify Iberian Spadefoot is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Iberian Spadefoot?

6+ cm

How much does Iberian Spadefoot weigh?

0.02+ kg

How long does Iberian Spadefoot live?

8+ years

What does Iberian Spadefoot eat?

Adults feed opportunistically at night on a wide variety of terrestrial invertebrates, while their large aquatic tadpoles graze on algae, organic detritus, and tiny water organisms.

Where is Iberian Spadefoot usually found?

Found in open landscapes with loose, sandy soils such as dunes, pine forests, and agricultural areas, always situated near temporary breeding pools.

How does Iberian Spadefoot hunt?

Foraging

How many eggs does Iberian Spadefoot lay?

1000+