The Reptiles and Amphibians of Utah

Description: Tan, olive, or gray base color. Two light-colored stripes on the dorsal. Occasionally orange or red spotting on the dorsal. A glandular boss between the eyes. The underside of each rear foot has a bony wedge-shaped spade. This species can have a peanut butter-like smell when handled. 

Call: A loud repeated “gwaaa” or snores in 1 to 2 second intervals. The vocal sac is slightly bilobed.  

Size: This spadefoot averages 2 inches in length. 

Range and Habitat: This spadefoot occurs through a variety of habitats throughout much of the state. It inhabits Great Basin desertscrub, grasslands, desert shrublands, sagebrush-dominated basins, juniper-pinyon woodlands, agricultural areas, and montane habitat. It is found in areas of loose soils and near temporary or semi-permanent bodies of water. It can be found up to 9,000 feet in elevation.  

Similar Species: The Plains Spadefoot has a bony boss. The Mexican Spadefoot lacks a boss.