Eastern Spadefoot

Description:

The body color is brownish with two yellow lines extending from the eyes down the back where they join together forming an hourglass pattern. Another defining characteristic is the vertically elliptical pupils of the notably large eyes.

Habitat:

Spadefoot toads spend most of their life hidden underground in burrows of their own making.

Notes:

Strong storms with heavy precipitation (at least 1.5 inches in one event) are needed to induce breeding, which is short and explosive. The tadpoles hatch in several days and, if the water-filled pool begins to dry, can complete transition to adulthood in only a couple of weeks. Breeding can occur several times a year, or not at all, depending on the weather.