description Eastern Spadefoot Toad Overview
The eastern spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus holbrookii) is a species of burrowing amphibian native to eastern North America. It is anatomically adapted for life underground, possessing a hardened, keratinous spade on the inner side of each hind foot that allows it to rapidly dig backwards into sandy or loose soil. This burrowing behavior helps the toad survive dry periods by estivating deep underground, emerging only during heavy rains to breed in temporary pools. They feed primarily on insects and other small invertebrates.
help Eastern Spadefoot Toad FAQ
Why does the eastern spadefoot toad have a spade?
Scaphiopus holbrookii has a hard, keratinous spade on the inner side of each hind foot. It uses these digging tools to burrow backward into sandy soil and spend much of the year underground. [North Carolina Wildlife](https://www.ncwildlife.gov/species/eastern-spadefoot)
Where is the eastern spadefoot toad found?
Its range runs across eastern North America from Massachusetts south to Florida and west to the Mississippi River. It is therefore a North American species, not the western spadefoot genus Spea. [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Scaphiopus_holbrookii/)
Why does the eastern spadefoot appear after heavy rain?
Rain fills temporary pools, which trigger adults to emerge, call, mate, and lay eggs before the water disappears. North Carolina Wildlife says the dark tadpoles can transform in as little as 2 to 4 weeks, an adaptation to short-lived pools. [North Carolina Wildlife](https://www.ncwildlife.gov/species/eastern-spadefoot)
How can I tell an eastern spadefoot from an ordinary toad?
Scaphiopus holbrookii has relatively smooth skin, large eyes with vertical pupils, and digging spades on its hind feet. Its stocky body and burrowing habit are more useful clues than color alone, because the back can vary. [North Carolina Wildlife](https://www.ncwildlife.gov/species/eastern-spadefoot)
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