Family: Pelobatidae, Spadefoot Toads view all from this family

Description 1 1/2-2 1/2" (3.8-6.4 cm). Stout-bodied toad with wedge-shaped spade on each hind foot and no hump between eyes. External eardrum apparent. Dusky-olive to gray, with irregular light stripes and random darker blotches. Skin relatively smooth with scattered small tubercles, red- or orange-tipped in some specimens. Belly white. Iris light gold.

Warning If picked up, the Western Spadefoot may secrete a substance that can inflame the skin or cause hay-fever symptoms like runny nose and watery eyes.

Voice A rolling trill like the purr of a cat lasting less than 1 second. Males call while floating on surface of water.

Breeding January to August, depending on rainfall. Eggs are laid in cylindrical masses attached to vegetation. Hatching occurs within 2 days, transformation in 4-6 weeks. Tadpoles are carnivorous and feed on mosquito larvae.

Habitat Tolerates wide range of conditions from semiarid to arid. Prefers shortgrass plains and sandy, gravelly areas such as alkali flats, washes, and river floodplains.

Range North-central California south through the Central Valley and foothills into northern Baja California.

Discussion Nocturnal. They are often numerous where soil conditions are favorable for burrowing. Deep burrows provide a microhabitat with moderate temperatures and humidity. When handled, the Western Spadefoot produces a secretion that smells like peanuts and can irritate the skin.