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Eastern Spadefoot
Scaphiopus holbrookii
Description
A plump, secretive toad with cat-like vertical pupils and a sharp “spade” on each hind foot for digging. It appears explosively to breed after heavy rains, then vanishes underground.
Stats
Size
1 ¾ - 2 ¼ inches
Status
Uncommon
Similar Species
American and Fowler's toads
Diet
Earthworms, arachnids, arthropods (beetles, moths, etc.)
Habitat
Flooded fields, loose sandy soils in low elevations
Reproduction
Breeding is triggered by torrential rainfall anytime in spring or summer. Males will call with a single loud “whar”. Hundreds of eggs are adhered to vegetation. Eggs and tadpoles develop rapidly.
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