Fauna
Amphibian

Western Spadefoot

Spea hammondii

Also known as Western Spadefoot Toad, Hammond's Spadefoot, Hammond's Spadefoot Toad

Western spadefoots spend most of their lives buried underground in self-dug burrows, emerging only after heavy winter or spring rains to breed in temporary pools. Their hind feet bear sharp, black keratinous spades that enable them to back into sandy or loose soil with remarkable speed. Because seasonal breeding pools dry rapidly, their tadpoles feature one of the fastest developmental rates among North American amphibians.

NocturnalAmphibianBurrowing
Western Spadefoot reference1 / 7
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Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyBeetles, Caterpillars, Spiders
Predators
  • Garter snakes
  • Herons
  • Raccoons
ThreatsAgricultural development, urbanization, prolonged drought, and invasive bullfrogs
HabitatsGrasslands, chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and open oak woodlands
Life span10–12 years
Classification
  1. FamilyScaphiopodidae
  2. SpeciesSpea hammondii
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Recognized by smooth grey skin with red-tipped tubercles, vertical pupils, and black spade-like heels.
Support conservation
Keep distance near breeding pools and never move individuals across natural habitat boundaries.
Responsible observation
  • Seasonal timing: Search on warm, rain-soaked winter and early spring nights near temporary pools.
  • Lighting care: Use dim red flashlights to observe nocturnal adults without causing distress.
  • Pool protection: Avoid stepping into rain puddles where eggs and tadpoles develop.
Related species
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