Back to Name Page
Back
to Sound ID Page
Back to Sight ID Page
Voice: Call is a dyspeptic, downward-slurred "errrrrgh," resembling the call of a young crow. We have heard them call from June through August, usually after heavy rains of 2" or more. Habitat: Eastern Spadefoots are subterranean, coming above the ground during violent weather to breed and to forage. Breeding areas are temporary pools formed after warm weather thunderstorms. They appear to prefer sandy soils in which to burrow. Range: Occurs statewide with the exception of the eastern mountains.
|
Description: Size: 1.7-2.2 inches. (record 2.8inches). A plump-bellied frog
with short legs. It has a peculiar humpbacked profile. The back
of this frog has lyre-shaped pale markings, but the most striking features
by far are its vertical pupils, which give it an other-worldly appearance.
It is the only Tennessee frog or toad to have vertical pupils. Also
diagnostic for this frog are the black, sickle-shaped "spades" on the rear
feet, which it uses to burrow into the ground. It may also be flecked
with orange or reddish warts.