The Reptiles and Amphibians of Utah

Description: Gray, cream, or tan base color. Scattered dark spots on the dorsal; several of which have orange or red centers. No boss between the eyes. The underside is white or cream-colored. 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 series of stuttering 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 mainly through San Juan County. It inhabits desertscrub, semidesert shrublands, and grasslands with loose soils and near temporary or semi-permanent bodies of water. It is most commonly encountered below 7,000 feet in elevation.  

Similar Species: The Plains Spadefoot has a bony boss. The Great Basin Spadefoot has a glandular boss. This species is known to hybridize with the Plains Spadefoot which causes confusion when trying to identify the two.