Couch's Spadefoot
Art by Jackie Blurton
Narrative by the late Roland Shook
Spadefoots or spadefoot toads are toad-like burrowing frogs so named for the horny spades on their hind feet. These frogs are well adapted to arid conditions. When the monsoon rains of summer appear, they have the ability to reproduce in a very short period of time. During the dry parts of the year, these frogs remain primarily underground, avoiding the harsh conditions. Sound or vibration caused by rainfall or perhaps thunder is thought to be the trigger that stimulates the emergence of these frogs and the beginning of the breeding cycle.
Couch's Spadefoot is probably the best adapted of all the North American spadefoots. Scientific studies reveal that this frog can remain underground for up to 3 years before emergence. Ninety percent of the breeding occurs on the first night following pond formation and the rate of development is the most rapid of any North American frog.
Secretions from the skin of Couch's spadefoot can be toxic to humans.
