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Behavior | |
Home Range and Distribution Reproduction Habitat Behavior Voice Status Conservation Literature Links |
Spadefoot toads are nocturnal in nature and very secretive. This species is seldom seen except during breeding seasons. In the daytime and during dry weather much time is spent below ground, often in self-made burrows (Stebbins, 1951). Horny digging spades are located on hind feet allowing the toad to dig burrows backward (Stebbins, 1954). Also, they may at times, use burrows of other animals (such as: kangaroo rats, Dypodomis ordii). Spadefoot toads secrete jelly layers or gelatinous coats about themselves while buried over long periods of time to provide the body with moisture (Behler & King, 1996). They may secrete an odor such as popcorn or roasted peanuts as a defense mechanism. This secretion can cause sneezing from allergic reactions and also hay fever symptoms. |