Eastern Spadefoot

Scaphiopus holbrookii

Spadefoot toads are very interesting to look at, with their big eyes and vertical, catlike pupils. They are also fun to listen to, with their weird, nasal calls. But if you want to find them, you have to pay attention to the weather and get an umbrella. Spadefoots spend much of their time underground, but during a heavy rain they all gather at their breeding pools and call loudly and often.

Look For : A brown to blackish toad with bulging eyes (and vertical pupils) and a light line running down its back behind each eye; hind feet have a "spade" for digging. Call is a very nasal and explosive "kwonk" repeated frequently.

Length : 2-3".

Habitat : Forested areas.

Range : Oklahoma to Massachusetts and south.