Western Spadefoot

Key Identification Features

Juvenile and adult - vertical pupil, absent tympanum, well-developed webbing on hind feet with a large, spade-shaped inner metatarsal tubercle.

Tadpole -

• Size: Massive compared to most other European frog and toad larvae, growing much longer than standard pond inhabitants.

• Body Shape: A robust, deep, rounded body with a bubbly or stout appearance and a high caudal (tail) ridge that starts well forward on the back.

• Eyes: Set very far apart from each other on the broad head.

• Tail: Large, muscular tail that finishes in a sharp point.

• Mouthparts: Specialized grazing mouth with numerous tooth rows (denticles) and a strong beak peak.