Great Basin spadefoot (toad) -Spea intermontana
(formerly Scaphiopus intermontanus)
Key ID features: Has a sharp-edged, black horny spade on inside of hind feet-for digging. Uses alternating circular motions of 2 hind feet to push dirt out from under itself, and then over its sides and back. Active at night.
Habitat: shrub-steppe, usually a variety of aquatic habitats for breeding.
Description:
- Adult length Females-2.5 inches; Males-2.5 inches
- A“boss” swelling between eyes
- Vertical pupil , but at night, is round
- Upturned snout
- Smooth skin
- Short legs
- Digging spade
- plump body, broad waist
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- Swelling between eyes, vertical pupil, upturned snout
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- Short legs, digging spade
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- spadefoot toad nose