# 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. - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 3 - **Habitat:** Desert ![Mexican Spadefoot](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Nmspadefoot.jpg&width=800) Photo: Sarah Beckwith, Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nmspadefoot.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Anura - **Family:** Scaphiopodidae - **Genus:** Spea ## 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 - **Rain Whisperer:** Mexican Spadefoot can stay dormant underground for months, emerging only after heavy rains to breed and feed quickly. - **Fast Changer:** Mexican Spadefoot tadpoles can complete their metamorphosis into tiny froglets in as little as 10 days, escaping drying pools. - **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 - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/raccoon) (*Procyon lotor*) — Opportunistic predator, especially near water sources. ## Traits - [Spotted](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spotted): Marked with spots or patches of a different color. - [Singing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/singing): Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species. - [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. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Desert](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/desert): Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Endangered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/endangered): Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. ## Collections - [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians) ## 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 to identify Mexican 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 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 ## Where to spot - [Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chihuahuan-desert-nature-center-and-botanical-gardens) — Texas, US · Botanical Garden - [Chaco Culture National Historical Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chaco-culture-national-historical-park) — New Mexico, US · National Park - [Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chihuahuan-desert-research-institute) — Texas, US · Botanical Garden - [Kentucky Camp](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/kentucky-camp) — Arizona, US · Historic Site [View all places to see Mexican Spadefoot](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/mexican-spadefoot) ## 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: [Mexican Spadefoot: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/mexican-spadefoot)