Scaphiopus h. holbrookii

Eastern Spadefoot

Florida Distribution: entire state.

Identification: 7 cm. Two yellow lines running from each eye down the back. Sickle shaped "spade" on hind feet. Vertical pupils.

Some people are very allergic to Spadefoot skin secretions so wash well with soap after handling.

Spadefoots are seldom seen as they spend the days and most nights underground. Heavy rains and low pressure bring them out en masse to breed. Years ago, during a heavy rain, I removed over 50 adults from a swimming pool. I also removed their eggs which hatched quickly. Larval development is very fast as these amphibians are designed to take advantage of temporary water.

This little one was found while digging up a nest of Snakeneck eggs. In this picture you can see the vertical pupils.

"Spades".

The lines, while not yellowish, are visible and help identify this as a Spadefoot.

The lines in this one are yellow.