description Western Spadefoot Overview
The Western Spadefoot (Spea hammondii) is a fossorial frog native to California and Baja California, adapted to dry environments with sandy or loose soils. It is named for the dark, keratinous spade on each hind foot that allows it to dig backward into the ground to escape heat and drought. The species breeds explosively in temporary rain pools following winter or spring storms and is considered a species of conservation concern across much of its range.
help Western Spadefoot FAQ
Why does the Western Spadefoot have a spade on each hind foot?
The hard, dark spade helps Spea hammondii dig backward into loose soil. Burrowing lets it remain underground during the long dry season and emerge when rainfall creates temporary breeding pools.
Where does the Western Spadefoot breed?
It breeds in shallow temporary pools formed by winter and spring rains in California and northern Baja California. These pools must persist long enough for eggs to hatch and tadpoles to complete metamorphosis.
How quickly do Western Spadefoot tadpoles develop?
Development is unusually rapid because their pools may disappear, although timing varies with water temperature and pool duration. Documented metamorphosis commonly takes roughly 30 to 80 days.
What threatens Western Spadefoot populations?
Urban development, agricultural conversion, invasive predators, and the loss or premature drying of seasonal pools all reduce breeding success. Conservation projects in Southern California have therefore created artificial pools at sites including Crystal Cove State Park.
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