Mexican Spadefoot
ExploreAmphibians
Mexican Spadefoot
Spea multiplicata
The Mexican Spadefoot is a small, round frog that loves to dig! It has special spade-like feet that help it burrow into the ground to stay safe and cool.
Habitat: Desert
Appearance
The Mexican Spadefoot is a plump, toad-like amphibian, typically brownish-gray to olive-green with faint mottling or stripes. It has large, golden eyes with vertical pupils and a distinctive, wedge-shaped 'spade' on each hind foot.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderAnuraFamilyScaphiopodidaeGenusSpea
Category
AmphibiansRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Mexican Spadefoots lay their eggs in temporary puddles that appear only after a rainstorm.
Their eyes have vertical pupils, like a cat's, which helps them see clearly at night!
Their loud, squawking call sounds a bit like a crow, echoing across the desert!
They puff up their bodies with air when threatened to appear much bigger to predators.
Special abilities
Ability
Rain Whisperer
Mexican Spadefoot can stay dormant underground for months, emerging only after heavy rains to breed and feed quickly.
Ability
Fast Changer
Mexican Spadefoot tadpoles can complete their metamorphosis into tiny froglets in as little as 10 days, escaping drying pools.
Ability
Instant Drinker
Mexican Spadefoot can absorb water directly through its skin, especially a specialized 'drink patch' on its belly.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 3.8-6.3 cm
- Weight
- 0.01-0.03 kg
- Lifespan
- 4-10 years
- Top Speed
- 3 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 500-2500
- Metamorphosis
- 10-21 days
Diet & Feeding
They hunt and gobble up all sorts of insects and small creatures lurking near the ground!
Age differences: Tadpoles are omnivores, mostly eating algae and detritus; adults are strictly carnivorous.
Primary Foods
- Beetles
- Ants
- Crickets
- Moths
- Spiders
- Termites
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
hunts
Field Cricket
Gryllus campestris
A major food source after they emerge.
hunts
Silky Ant
Formica fusca
They actively consume various ant species.
eaten by
Western Ribbonsnake
Thamnophis proximus
This snake is a common predator of spadefoots.
eaten by
Raccoon
Procyon lotor
Opportunistic predator, especially near water sources.
Traits
Spotted
Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
Singing
Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species.
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.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Desert
Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Endangered
Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch frogs from a distance and don't touch them, as they can be delicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Mexican Spadefoot?
3.8-6.3 cm
How much does Mexican Spadefoot weigh?
0.01-0.03 kg
How long does Mexican Spadefoot live?
4-10 years
How fast can Mexican Spadefoot move?
3 km/h
What does Mexican Spadefoot eat?
They hunt and gobble up all sorts of insects and small creatures lurking near the ground!
Where is Mexican Spadefoot usually found?
Desert
How does Mexican Spadefoot hunt?
Ambush
How many eggs does Mexican Spadefoot lay?
500-2500
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