Great Basin Spadefoot

Spea intermontana

The Great Basin Spadefoot breeds in small temporary pools where competition for food is intense. Sometimes it gets so crowded that some of the tadpoles become cannibals, eating other tadpoles instead of algae. In certain years, the cannibals are the only ones that are able to transform into adult toads before the water dries up.

Look For : A grayish-green spadefoot toad with a low knob between its eyes. Call is rapidly repeated raspy notes.

Length : 1 1/2-2 1/2".

Habitat : Varies, from coniferous (trees with cones) forests to sage grasslands.

Range : Southern British Columbia to central California and east to Rockies.