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Plains Spadefoot
ExploreAmphibians
Plains Spadefoot
Spea bombifrons
The Plains Spadefoot is a small, round frog that loves to dig in the dirt! They have special spade-like toes that help them burrow underground to stay safe and cool.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Plains Spadefoot is a stout amphibian with smooth, moist skin, typically grey, brown, or olive, often marked with darker spots or stripes. It has large, prominent eyes with distinctive vertical pupils. A hard, dark, spade-like structure on each hind foot is its most unique visual feature.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderAnuraFamilyScaphiopodidaeGenusSpea
Category
AmphibiansRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
As tadpoles, they can sometimes eat each other if food is scarce, growing stronger faster!
Plains Spadefoots make a loud, duck-like 'quacking' sound to find mates after a big rain!
Their eyes have spooky vertical pupils, just like a cat's, which helps them see in the dark!
They can stay buried underground for *years* if rainfall is too low, waiting for the perfect storm!
Special abilities
Ability
Dirt Diggers
Plains Spadefoot can rapidly dig backwards into soil using hard 'spades' on its hind feet that helps them escape predators and find shelter from heat and drought.
Ability
Speedy Swimmers
Plains Spadefoot tadpoles can grow incredibly fast, completing metamorphosis in as little as 18 days, because of hormonal regulation that helps them avoid drying out in temporary ponds.
Ability
Water Wizards
Plains Spadefoot can absorb and store a large amount of water in its bladder and tissues that helps them survive long periods underground during droughts by conserving moisture.
Ability
Stinky Shield
Plains Spadefoot can secrete a mild, onion-scented substance from its skin that helps deter some predators, making them less tasty to eat.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 3.8-6.3 cm
- Weight
- 0.01-0.03 kg
- Lifespan
- 6-12 years
- Top Speed
- 0.8 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 1000-2500
- Metamorphosis
- 18-60 days
Diet & Feeding
These hungry amphibians mostly munch on insects and spiders, helping to control pesky garden bugs!
Age differences: Tadpoles eat algae and detritus; adults eat insects and spiders.
Primary Foods
- Beetles
- Crickets
- Grasshoppers
- Spiders
- Moths
- Worms
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eaten by
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
A common predator in its range.
eaten by
Great Horned Owl
Bubo virginianus
Hunts amphibians during its nocturnal activity.
hunts
Fall Field Cricket
Gryllus pennsylvanicus
A common insect prey species.
hunts
Silky Ant
Formica fusca
Eats various ground-dwelling invertebrates.
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.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Threatened
Threatened status denotes a species likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future without effective conservation interventions.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch where you step in nature, and don't touch frogs unless an adult says it's okay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Plains Spadefoot?
3.8-6.3 cm
How much does Plains Spadefoot weigh?
0.01-0.03 kg
How long does Plains Spadefoot live?
6-12 years
How fast can Plains Spadefoot move?
0.8 km/h
What does Plains Spadefoot eat?
These hungry amphibians mostly munch on insects and spiders, helping to control pesky garden bugs!
Where is Plains Spadefoot usually found?
Grasslands
How does Plains Spadefoot hunt?
Ambush
How many eggs does Plains Spadefoot lay?
1000-2500
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