Common Spadefoot Toad

Distribution: Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe to Western Asia Size: Up to 5 cm Life Span: Up to 11 years Diet: Carnivorous (Insectivorous) Social life: Solitary IUCN red list status: Least Concern This amphibian has a robust body with a large head and short hind legs. It is distinguished by its smooth skin, vertical eye pupils, well-developed webbing between its toes, and a spade-shaped inner metatarsal tubercle on the hind foot (the inner knuckle appears spade-like). It lacks a tympanic membrane. Males are smaller than females and possess a prominent oval gland on the upper surface of the upper arm. The dorsal side of the toad ranges in color from yellow-gray to brown-gray, with large dark brown or olive spots and small reddish dots. Its belly is white-greyish, typically without distinct markings, though occasional grey spots may be present. Hibernation begins in autumn (from September to November, depending on latitude, with higher latitudes resulting in earlier hibernation) and lasts until March or April. The toad hibernates in deep burrows, sometimes reaching depths of up to two meters. Reproduction starts shortly after hibernation ends, with clutches containing up to 3000 eggs. Embryonic development takes 5 to 11 days, and larval development lasts 56 to 110 days. Young tadpoles grow rapidly, reaching sizes of 35 to 50 mm within 1 to 2 months. Metamorphosis occurs between July and September. ## Keywords frog, Common Spadefoot Toad, toad, spadefoot, amphibians