Species Spotlight: Eastern Spadefoot Toad (Scaphiopus holbrookii)

by Christine Rodick

Photo by Todd Pierson

Oh enchanting Spadefoot, You amaze me.

Your smooth skin did throw me off.I thought you were a true frog when first we met,

But now I know you are a... toad?

No, the experts call you “Toad-like”.

Your very own distinction.

I learned early on, best to observe you without handling,

as your ‘lovely’ musk can cause irritation to my eyes and nose!!

Speaking of eyes. Yours are gorgeous.

Your dazzling golden irises mesmerize me.

I wonder:

Does the vertical pupil give you an advantage?

Does it help you see your prey walk by as you are mostly nestled under loamy soil?

Does the jet black color and shape of it serve to camouflage your face as you peek between the leaves in the leaf layer you often call home?

And your hallmark,

The protuberance.

The way that you burrow into the loose dirt,

With your lucky spade,

In a direction we would call “backwards”...

You know best.

How to do the Moonwalk.

And here it is,

Your call.

Oh my, your call.

Unmistakeable.

Singularly unique.

Thank you Spadefoot for visiting.

You are the reason I am out in the rain in May

looking for those eyes,

listening for that call,

Hoping, wishing for a glimpse of that magical, lucky spade.

Spadefoots have amazed me from the first time I observed one, and at once was completely mesmerized by its beautiful eyes. I am a fan of a great many reptiles and amphibians — all of them, really, in some way or another. Many of them could be considered to be more charismatic, more “like-able”, and more special than this small and oftentimes easily overlooked toad-like amphibian. But I can honestly say that of all of our cold blooded friends I have had the good fortune to see in the wild, the Spadefoot is one that always holds my attention.

Eastern Spadefoot Toads are found throughout much of the Southeastern US, and sporadically or rarely in North Eastern states with suitable habitat. They occur where loamy or sandy soils are present, making it possible for them to burrow underground, where, being ‘fossorial’, they spend most of their time. They feed on invertebrates, mostly at night. In the Oconee River watershed, we are lucky, as they may be active at any time of year. I have observed them during rains mostly in May through late Fall, but also on unseasonably warm rainy winter evenings.

They require ephemeral vernal pools for breeding. Protecting these temporary breeding areas is essential to ensure that our Spadefoot friends remain in our midst. They are explosive breeders during rain events, which would explain the upwards of 12 individuals in my carport one recent evening in May around 9pm. However, they can stay underground for weeks at a time if conditions are dry or temperatures are not ideal.

The hallmark of the species is a dark, sharp protuberance located on each hind foot: the spade. This built in tool makes digging and burrowing through the soil and leaves just a normal day at the office for this animal. They dig mostly heading backwards into the habitat. I notice that if you squint while observing this motion, it almost looks as if they are doing the MOONWALK!

In order for this spade to be highly effective at digging, there are necessary substrate requirements. They thrive in beautiful loamy soil which is ideal for using their magic hind foot spade to burrow into their cozy home. I wonder: Could Mr. McGregor appreciate the use of such a spade in his garden to loosen the soil layers so his seeds may thrive? My friend Dac taught me about all of the many tiny creatures that make healthy soil a complex and ever changing ecosystem. When the Spadefoot burrows its way through those layers, I imagine a natural tilling of sorts taking place, loosening the soil particles to further enhance this dynamic habitat for itself and all who share it. But the spade is no match for compacted soil and processed turf. You wouldn’t believe this, but in addition to the sandy soils where these animals occur in coastal areas, many Spadefoots in the uplands and bottomlands actually like litter.....RICH LEAF LITTER, that is. So if we wish to see the Spadefoot around our yards, perhaps we could curate some loose loamy soil with rich leaf litter, or a set aside an area or two in our gardens to entice them.

Protection of their preferred habitat type throughout the Oconee River watershed is definitely good news for Spadefoots, and ultimately for us. Hearing them call makes me smile. Seeing one amble across a path near my porch door, or sitting half hidden under Fall leaves in the landscape near my home always brings me JOY and adds a lightness to my day. Thank you, Spadefoot. And thank you readers, for supporting the important work of the Oconee River Land Trust.