Western Spadefoot
ExploreAmphibians
Western Spadefoot
Spea hammondii
The Western Spadefoot is a small frog that loves to dig! It has special spade-like toes that help it burrow into the ground. These frogs are often found in sandy areas and come out when it rains.
Habitat: Desert
Appearance
The Western Spadefoot has smooth, grayish-brown to olive skin, often with darker blotches and a pale belly. It possesses distinctive large, gold-rimmed eyes with vertical pupils, and a wedge-shaped, dark 'spade' on each hind foot for digging. Unlike true toads, it lacks prominent parotoid glands.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderAnuraFamilyScaphiopodidaeGenusSpea
Category
AmphibiansRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Their eggs can hatch super quickly, sometimes in less than a day!
These amphibians can absorb water right through their skin, no drinking needed!
They have vertical pupils, just like a cat's!
When stressed, some spadefoots smell like roasted peanuts or garlic!
Special abilities
Ability
Super Digger
Western Spadefoot can rapidly burrow backwards into soil using hardened 'spades' on its hind feet to escape predators or dry conditions.
Ability
Drought Dormancy
Western Spadefoot can survive long droughts by aestivating deep underground, forming a protective mud cocoon to save water.
Ability
Speedy Grow-Up
Western Spadefoot tadpoles develop incredibly fast, sometimes in just a few weeks, to avoid drying out in temporary pools.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 3.8-7.5 cm
- Weight
- 0.015-0.035 kg
- Lifespan
- 4-10 years
- Clutch Size
- 500-2000
- Metamorphosis
- 21-70 days
Diet & Feeding
These hungry amphibians munch on small insects and other tiny creatures.
Age differences: Tadpoles are omnivores, eating algae and detritus, while adults are carnivores, mainly insectivores.
Primary Foods
- Beetles
- Crickets
- Ants
- Spiders
- Worms
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eaten by
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Snakes often prey on spadefoots near breeding ponds.
eaten by
Raccoon
Procyon lotor
Raccoons forage for them, especially during wet nights.
hunts
Field Cricket
Gryllus bimaculatus
Adult spadefoots ambush crickets and other insects.
eats
Common Green Darner
Anax junius
Dragonfly larvae prey on spadefoot tadpoles in ponds.
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.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
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.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
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 when exploring nature, and don't touch frogs without asking an adult.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Western Spadefoot?
3.8-7.5 cm
How much does Western Spadefoot weigh?
0.015-0.035 kg
How long does Western Spadefoot live?
4-10 years
What does Western Spadefoot eat?
These hungry amphibians munch on small insects and other tiny creatures.
Where is Western Spadefoot usually found?
Desert
How does Western Spadefoot hunt?
Ambush
How many eggs does Western Spadefoot lay?
500-2000
How long does Western Spadefoot take to complete metamorphosis?
21-70 days
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