Spadefoot Toad Family

Pelobatidae

Spadefoots are named for the single, sharp-edged black horny tubercle or "spade" on each hind foot which enables them to burrow vertically downward into sandy or loose soil.  Spadefoots also have absent or indistinct parotoid glands, vertically elliptical pupils, teeth on the upper jaw, and a coccyx (the bony end of the vertebral column) fused to the sacral vertebra.

Spadefoots can remain underground for weeks or months at a time, emerging only after heavy rains.  Spadefoots are explosive breeders and congregate in temporary rainpools.  Breeding males have black pads or excrescences on their thumbs and first two fingers.  Because rainpools may dry up soon after rains end, spadefoots exhibit one of the most accelerated rates of development of any amphibian.  Transformation from egg to metamorph can occur in just a few weeks.

Spadefoots secrete toxins from their skin glands and many people experience strong allergic reactions (sneezing, copious discharge of mucus from nose, watery eyes) from handling them.  Be sure to wash your hands with soap or detergent after handling spadefoots.

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