Family: Pelobatidae, Spadefoot Toads view all from this family

Description One spur on each back foot for burrowing. External eardrum, smooth skin. Black/Brown-dark olive, 2 lines down back. Grayish underside.

Dimensions 4.4-8.3cm. (1 3/4-3 1/4")

Voice Similar to complaint of a crow. Low pitch, 2 second intervals.

Breeding March-September after rainfall fills pools substantially. Eggs attached to underwater vegetation in gelatinous bands. Hatches after 2 days, transforms 2-8weeks.

Similar Species Hurter's Spadefoot formerly thought to be a subspecies. Bony hump between eyes. Found in Missouri, Arkansas to Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas and Mexico.

Habitat Cultivated sandy, gravelly areas. Forest areas.

Range New England, Florida Keys to Louisiana & s. illinois. Also Ohio.

Discussion Nocturnal. Burrows underground to escape weather and protect from predators. Can be spotted at night at the mouth of its burrow. Often seen after brush fires, unharmed.