Spadefoots of Utah
Often called spadefoot toads, spadefoots are a small group of amphibians belonging to the Scaphiopodidae family. There are only three species of spadefoots in Utah.
These amphibians are named after the bony protrusions, called spades, on their hind feet. These spades help them dig and burrow into the loose soils they typically inhabit. Spadefoots spend most of their lives underground, coming out only when there is adequate surface moisture. They typically breed in shallow or temporary bodies of water that can dry up quickly. Spadefoots can be distinguished from true toads by their vertical pupils and absence of parotoid glands.
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The Reptiles and Amphibians of Utah 