If you’re lucky enough to encounter a Hurter’s Spadefoot (Scaphiopus hurterii), you’re witnessing one of the more elusive amphibians in the southern U.S. This squat, wide-eyed toad digs deep into sandy soils and often spends months hidden underground, waiting for just the right rainy night to emerge. With its cat-like eyes and powerful digging skills, this species is a master of survival in tough environments.
Size & Physical Appearance
Hurter’s Spadefoot is a small to medium-sized amphibian, usually ranging from 2 to 3 inches in length. Its body is round and dumpy, with short limbs and a noticeably flat face.
Color-wise, it varies from olive green to grayish brown, often with darker mottling or blotches that help it blend in with dry, sandy environments. The belly is usually pale or creamy white and unmarked.
One standout feature: those vertical, slit-shaped pupils. Most frogs and toads have round pupils, but Spadefoots have eyes that resemble a cat’s—pretty rare among North American amphibians.
Males and females look fairly similar, but during the breeding season, males can sometimes appear a bit darker and may show a swollen thumb or vocal sac. Juveniles look like mini versions of the adults but with softer colors and smoother skin when freshly metamorphosed.
Habitat and Range
Hurter’s Spadefoot prefers dry, open habitats like sandy grasslands, prairies, and scrubby woodlands. It’s particularly fond of areas with loose, well-drained soil—perfect for burrowing. During dry stretches, it can retreat several feet underground to stay cool and moist.
Geographically, you’ll find this species in parts of the south-central U.S., especially eastern Texas, western Louisiana, western Arkansas, southern Missouri, and into northeastern Oklahoma. It generally avoids mountainous terrain and sticks to lower elevations.
Diet
These little amphibians are insectivores, meaning they eat mostly insects and other small invertebrates. Their diet includes ants, beetles, flies, spiders, and even termites.
One fun twist: during mass emergence after rain, Hurter’s Spadefoots can be seen snapping up huge amounts of prey in a short time, catching whatever’s available before disappearing underground again. They’re opportunistic feeders, making the most of their brief time above ground.
Lifespan
In the wild, Hurter’s Spadefoots can live around 6 to 10 years, especially if they’re lucky enough to avoid predators and survive droughts. In captivity, under ideal care, they may live slightly longer, though they’re rarely kept as pets due to their secretive nature and specific needs.
Identification Tips
Telling Hurter’s Spadefoot apart from other spadefoot species can be tricky, especially since they’re nocturnal and don’t come out often.
Look for these characteristics:
- Eye shape: Vertical, cat-like pupils—most frogs and toads have round ones.
- Spade: A sickle-shaped black “spade” on the hind feet, used for digging. This is a key feature of all spadefoots.
- No boss: Unlike Couch’s Spadefoot, which has a bony bump (called a boss) between its eyes, Hurter’s doesn’t.
- Call: If you hear them, the male’s call is a raspy, sheep-like bleat—not exactly musical, but definitely distinctive during breeding choruses.
Keep in mind this species is often confused with Couch’s or Eastern Spadefoot depending on where you are, so location can also help narrow it down.
Fun Fact
Hurter’s Spadefoots are explosive breeders—they can go from underground recluse to breeding frenzy in a single night if the conditions are right. After a heavy rain, they emerge in droves to breed in temporary pools. Tadpoles develop at lightning speed, sometimes transforming into froglets in as little as two weeks before the water dries up. That rapid life cycle is a pretty amazing trick for surviving in dry places where water doesn’t stick around long.
In Summary
Hurter’s Spadefoot might not be the flashiest amphibian, but it’s a fascinating example of adaptation and survival. Whether you’re a budding herpetologist or just curious about the critters in your backyard, spotting one of these unusual toads is a rare and exciting treat. If you’re exploring the southern plains during a summer rainstorm, keep an ear out—you just might hear them calling.