The Reptiles and Amphibians of Utah

Description: Gray, cream, or tan base color. Up to four light-colored stripes on the dorsal and sides. When present the dorsal stripes form an hourglass shape. Occasionally red or orange spotting on the dorsal. A short, upturned “pug” nose. A bony boss between the eyes. The underside is white or cream-colored. The underside of each rear foot has a bony wedge-shaped spade. 

Call: A series of brief snores in about 1 second intervals. The vocal sac is slightly bilobed.

Size: This spadefoot averages 2 inches in length. 

Range and Habitat: This spadefoot occurs in Southern San Juan County. It inhabits grasslands with loose soils and temporary bodies of water. It occurs below 6,0000 feet in elevation.   

Similar Species: The Mexican Spadefoot and Great Basin Spadefoot lack a bony boss between the eyes. This species is known to hybridize with the Mexican Spadefoot which causes confusion when trying to identify the two.