New Mexico Spadefoot
The New Mexico spadefoot dwells around ponds and stock tanks.
About This Species
Pupil vertically elongated (like a cat) in bright light; a single hard, wedge-shaped spade on each hind foot; no lump between eyes; upper surface gray or brown with numerous scattered dark spots (no stripes). Mature male: Dark throat and dark patches on the three inner toes of front feet during breeding season; expanded vocal sac slightly two-lobed.
More Information:
Physical Characteristics
Head and body length up to about 6.5 cm (2.6 inches).
Range
Southeastern and southwestern Colorado. Locally common.
Habitat
Breeds in pools and stock ponds filled by heavy rains or flooding, in plains grassland or semidesert shrubland.
Reproduction
Breeding call
A stuttering croak about one second long (duration decreases with increasing temperature).
Larvae
Upper side pale brown to gray; eyes close together on top of head; lower jaw not striated; carnivore morph has a broadened head due to enlarged jaw muscles, a cusped upper jaw, and relatively short intestine of only a few coils; 2-5 rows of tiny teeth on upper lip, 3-4 rows on lower lip; usually less than 7 cm total length.
Eggs
In small clusters of up to several dozen; attached to submerged objects.
Life History
Spends most of its life buried in the soil. Emerges to breed after heavy rains in spring or summer. Larvae develop quickly and metamorphose into small toads usually within 2-6 weeks.