Kingdom Animalia Order Anura Genus Scaphiopus Higher classification Scaphiopus | Phylum Chordata Family Scaphiopodidae Scientific name Scaphiopus holbrookii Rank Species | |
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Similar American spadefoot toad, Scaphiopus, Frog, Amphibians, Anaxyrus fowleri | ||
Scaphiopus holbrookii, commonly known as the eastern spadefoot, is a species of American spadefoot toad (family Scaphiopodidae) endemic to the United States.
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Geographic range
It is found in the southeastern United States, except for mountainous areas, and is also found northward along the Atlantic Coast, through the Mid-Atlantic states, into southern New England, including eastern Massachusetts. It is found in inland states such as Pennsylvania and New York, but only as far westward as the appalacian mountains, and the Hudson River Valley in New York.
Description
The average length (head + body) of an adult Eastern spadefoot is 44–57 mm (1¾-2¼ in).
It is brownish with two yellowish stripes on its back. These stripes, which begin on the upper eyelids, may diverge or converge, resulting in a pattern resembling a lyre or an hourglass. Some specimens may be very dark, with less distinct markings.
It has one spur on each of its back feet for burrowing.
A similar species is the Hurter's spadefoot toad, which was once considered a subspecies of Scaphiopus holbrookii.
Behavior
It spends almost all of its life deep underground; coming out only to breed, and sometimes eat. It remains in a type of hibernation almost all its life. It burrows in a spiral, preferring sandy soils.
Etymology
The epithet, holbrookii, is in honor of John Edwards Holbrook, American herpetologist.
