Eastern Spadefoot  (Scaphiopus holbrookii)

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The Eastern Spadefoot, Scaphiopus holbrookii, has large eyes with vertical pupils and a single small, black, sharp-edged spade on each hind foot.  Using its spade, the Spadefoot can burrow deeply into loose soils.  Somewhat smaller than the adult American and Fowler's Toads, the Spadefoot measures 2 to 3 inches in length.  This species is poorly documented in Kentucky, however, Spadefoots have been reported from the Cumberland Plateau to the Jackson Purchase, but have not been found in the Western Coalfields or the Bluegrass.  Warm heavy rains accompanied by loud thunder in spring and early summer often entice these frogs out of their hiding places in large numbers to breed.  Breeding dates in Kentucky have ranged from February to October. Calling males congregate in large numbers in road ruts, seasonal and permanent ponds and flooded fields.   The call is a low-pitched grunt, short in duration, often repeated, and has been described as the call of a young crow.   Click Here to Hear My Call