A small, burrowing amphibian endemic to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, characterized by its distinctive spade-like hind feet used for digging.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Arid and semi-arid desert regions, including grasslands, scrublands, and areas with loose sandy or loamy soils in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and parts of Mexico
Ecological Role
Critical in desert ecosystem food webs as both predator and prey, controlling insect populations and serving as a food source for larger reptiles and birds
Morphology
SKIN COATRough, warty skin with mottled gray, brown, and green coloration providing excellent camouflage
LIMBS WINGSPowerful hind limbs with hard, keratinous spades for efficient underground digging and locomotion
HEAD SENSORYLarge, vertically oriented pupils, prominent eyes, short snout with specialized spade-like projections for burrowing
BODY STRUCTURESmall, stout body with adult length ranging 3.8-6.4 cm, robust build with short limbs and streamlined shape
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Sarah Beckwith
