Eastern Spadefoot

Scientific Name: Scaphiopus holbrookii
Size: 1.75-2.25 inches (4-6 cm) in length
Status: Endangered Species

Habitat:
Sandy soil along the floodplains of streams and rivers.

Description:
Small species. The background color varies from dark brown or grey to blackish grey with two irregular, light dorsal stripes that extend from the eyes to the sacrum. The sides of the body, sides of the head and legs are mottled with light spots. The underside is grey or white. The iris of the eyes is greenish yellow. The eyes are large, protuberant and set high on the sides of the head. The hind feet are webbed. The inner metatarsal tubercle on the rear legs is wide, sharp and heavily cornified black “spade".

Adult Coloration:
  • The dorsal background color varies from dark brown or grey to blackish grey with two irregular, light dorsal stripes that extend from the eyes to the sacrum.
  • The sides of the body, sides of the head and legs are mottled with light spots.
  • The ventral is grey or white.
  • The iris of the eyes is greenish yellow.
Adult Characteristics:
  • Small species.
  • The body is squat and stout.
  • The legs are short and heavy.
  • The head is short and broad with a rounded snout.
  • The eyes are large, protuberant and set high on the sides of the head.
  • The cranial crest is absent.
  • The parotoid glands are small, round, and barely visible.
  • The dorsal skin is covered with small scattered warts.
  • The ventral is smooth.
  • The hind feet are webbed.
  • The inner metatarsal tubercle is wide, sharp and heavily cornified black “spade”.
Larvae Characteristics:
  • Small-sized. Average 2-3cm
  • The eyes are set on top of the head and are close together.
  • The coloration varies from dark brown to bronze.
  • The tail crest is translucent and moderately well-developed.
Range:

Adult Gallery:

Juvenile Gallery:

Larvae Gallery:

Egg Gallery:

Listen to Calls:

May be Confused With:
References:
  • Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 126-130pp.
Credits:
  • Bob Hamilton
  • Kyle Loucks
  • Brandon Curtis
  • Brandon Ruhe
  • Kyle Fawcett

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