Mexican Spadefoot

The New Mexico spadefoot toad has a length of 1.5 to 2.5 inches (3.8 to 6.4 cm) with a round body and relatively short legs. They weigh between 1.7 and 3.5 ounces (48 and 99 g). They are green, to grey, to brown, usually reflecting the soil color of their native habitat, often with black and orange colored speckling on their back, and a white underside. They have large eyes, with vertical pupils.

Like all species of spadefoot toad, the New Mexico spadefoot toad is nocturnal and secretive. If handled, these frogs might emit a peanut-like odor, which can cause tearing and nasal discharge if in close contact with the face. Spending most of its time buried in the ground, the spadefoot emerges during periods of summer rainfall to feed on insects and to breed. Breeding takes place in temporary pools left by the rain. Eggs laid in large masses, often hatch in as little as 48 hours. Females prefer to breed with sympatric males to produce hybrid tadpoles that can develop even faster. The tadpoles are forced to metamorphose quickly, before the water dries up. This process can be as quick as 8 days after hatching.