# 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. - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Plains Spadefoot](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Plains_spadefoot_toad_%2848126396031%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: USFWS Mountain-Prairie, Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Plains_spadefoot_toad_%2848126396031%29.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Anura - **Family:** Scaphiopodidae - **Genus:** Spea ## 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 - **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. - **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. - **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. - **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 - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-horned-owl) (*Bubo virginianus*) — Hunts amphibians during its nocturnal activity. - **Hunts:** [Fall Field Cricket](https://www.snappit.app/explore/fall-field-cricket) (*Gryllus pennsylvanicus*) — A common insect prey species. - **Hunts:** Silky Ant (*Formica fusca*) — Eats various ground-dwelling invertebrates. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [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. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Threatened](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/threatened): Threatened status denotes a species likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future without effective conservation interventions. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians) ## 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 to identify Plains 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 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 ## 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: [Plains Spadefoot: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/plains-spadefoot)