Spadefoot Toad

Scaphiopus holbrookii holbrookii

I confess that I have never encountered this rarest (Endangered) of the New England Amphibians, yet.  This is my holy grail.

The problem with this species is a) it spends much of the time below the ground, b) there are not that many of them, and c) your best chance of finding them is during a period of heavy rain - thunder's a plus.

Spadefoots prefer sandy habitats.  A good torrential rain storm occuring between spring and fall brings them to the surface where they feed and breed in temporary pools.  The tadpoles develop quickly, racing the receding water.

This species is named for a specialized appendage on the hind foot, called a tubercule, which is used for digging.  They are excellent burrowers.  Listen for the crow-like "caws" of the breeding adults.  I have heard them out west (a different species in the same family), and I couldn't help compare it to the sound of a fart.  If you think you have spadefoots in your area, check the eyes - they are cat-like with vertical pupils.  Oh, and please contact me if you find them in CT! 

Photo James T. Dowling-Healey

Photo James T. Dowling-Healey