Eastern Spadefoot
Scaphiopus holbrookii
A burrowing toad-like amphibian with golden eyes and a dark digging spade on each hind foot, most visible after heavy rain.
Eastern Spadefoots spend most of the year buried in sandy soil. Heavy warm rains trigger sudden nighttime movements to temporary ponds, ditches, and flooded depressions for explosive breeding.
Because eggs and tadpoles develop quickly, fish-free temporary wetlands are especially important. Sandy uplands surrounding those wetlands provide the underground refuge adults need.
Habitat:
Pine Flatwoods and Sandhills, Scrub and Dry Prairie, Grasslands and Agricultural Areas
Area / Range:
Florida Panhandle, North Florida, Central Florida
Diet:
Feeds on beetles, ants, flies, crickets, spiders, worms, and other small invertebrates.
Behavior:
Burrows backward into loose soil and remains underground during dry weather. Emerges in large numbers after intense rain to breed rapidly in temporary water.
Nighttime
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Warm nights immediately after heavy summer rain near sandy uplands and newly flooded temporary pools.
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Not federally listed; sensitive to loss of sandy uplands, temporary wetlands, and natural water cycles.
Safety Level:
Low
Safety Information:
Harmless to people and pets. Avoid handling because amphibian skin absorbs oils, chemicals, and residues easily.
Benefits to Property:
Consumes many ground-dwelling insects and indicates a landscape that still supports seasonal wetland function.
Property Concerns:
Temporary breeding calls may become loud after storms. Pesticides, filling low areas, and compacting sandy soil reduce habitat.
Fun Fact:
- The hind-foot spade helps it dig backward underground.
- Breeding may begin within hours of a major storm.
- Tadpoles develop quickly before temporary pools dry.
Wildlife Laws:
Native amphibians are regulated under Florida wildlife rules and protected-area regulations. Collection or commercial use may require authorization.
Identification:
Small, smooth-skinned amphibian with vertical pupils, golden or copper eyes, scattered yellow markings, and a hard black spade on each hind foot.