Eastern Spadefoot

Scaphiopus holbrookii

Range

Endemic to the eastern United States, from the southeastern states northward along the Atlantic coast into southern New England, with a western range reaching parts of the central and lower Mississippi Valley region.

Habitat

Loose, commonly sandy soils suitable for burrowing; longleaf pine forests with open understories and fish-free ephemeral ponds for breeding.

Diet

Small invertebrates, including termites, insects, arachnids, worms, ants, beetles, and grasshoppers; tadpoles are omnivorous.

Facts

• A curved digging spur on each back foot helps identify this spadefoot. Each spur is generally three times longer than the other toes, and the species also has bright yellow eyes with vertical pupils.

Research sources

• English Wikipedia