Plains Spadefoot
Spea bombifrons
Length up to 2.25 inches from snout to vent. Relatively smooth gray to brown colored skin, occasionally with green hue. Four light stripes run dorsally and on the sides.…
How to identify
Length up to 2.25 inches from snout to vent. Relatively smooth gray to brown colored skin, occasionally with green hue. Four light stripes run dorsally and on the sides. Ventral surface solid white. Large eyes with raised bony lump between them. Differs from true toads by possessing a vertical, elliptical pupil. Has a large, black wedge-shaped "spade" on the bottom of each rear foot. Lack prominent parotid glands behind eyes.
Range
Found through the central plains of the North America from southern Alberta & Manitoba to Northern Mexico. Range includes Arizona to the west and Missouri to the East.
Habitat
Terrestrial (adults). Usually found in sagebrush or grassland habitats with sand, gravel, or soil near bodies of water. Enters water to breed, lay eggs, and when in juvenile phases.
Variations
Juveniles: Tadpoles are brown or green with whitish or grey mottled patterns on the back.
Similar species
Name and etymology
Bombifrons: Latin for buzzing (bombos) leaf (frons).
At a glance
Range
Found through the central plains of the North America from southern Alberta & Manitoba to Northern Mexico. Range includes Ari…
Habitat
Terrestrial (adults). Usually found in sagebrush or grassland habitats with sand, gravel, or soil near bodies of water. Enter…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap