Hurter's spadefoot toad
A species of North american spadefoots Scientific name : Scaphiopus hurterii Genus : North american spadefoots
Hurter's spadefoot toad, A species of North american spadefoots
Scientific name: Scaphiopus hurterii
Genus: North american spadefoots
Content
Description General Info
Description
Hurter's spadefoot toad or Hurter's spadefoot (Scaphiopus hurteri) is a species of American spadefoot toad (family Scaphiopodidae) found in the south central United States (Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma); its range might extend to the adjacent northern Mexico. It was once classified as a subspecies of the eastern spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus holbrookii), but it has been granted its own species status. The specific name hurterii is in honor of the Swiss-Amer
General Info
Lifespan
5-15 years
Diet
Hurter's spadefoot toad primarily consumes invertebrates, with a strong preference for insects like beetles and spiders. It uses its sticky tongue to catch and consume its prey during its nocturnal activity.
Appearance
The hurter's spadefoot toad is a medium-sized frog species that possesses a stout body shape, with rough and grainy skin. Its color ranges from grey to brown, often with dark patches or spots. The species exhibits a distinct parotoid gland behind each eye, and its hind legs are robust for efficient burrowing. Notable for its spade-like hind feet, the hurter's spadefoot toad has no visible difference in appearance due to age, gender or subspecies.
Behavior
Hurter's spadefoot toad is a nocturnal, explosive breeder. During the day, it remains buried underground to avoid the harsh sun. It surfaces after heavy rains to feed and mate in temporary ponds. This solitary frog fiercely defends its breeding sites from conspecific males, utilizing aggressive vocalizations and physical confrontations.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Frogs and toads Family
American spadefoot toads Species
Hurter's spadefoot toad 
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