|
Scaphiopus multiplicatus
|
| COMMON NAME: Southern Spadefoot
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Scaphiopus multiplicatus
STATUS: Federal- No status; States-
No status
RANKING: Global- Secure; States- Not
provided
FOREST PRESENT:
|
 |
DESCRIPTION: The Southern Spadefoot is easily recognized. It is the only spadefoot in the Intermountain Region that does not have a cranial boss. It posses all of the other spadefoot characteristics such as short (less than 2 1/2 inches long) but stout body, blunt snout, relatively smooth skin, vertical pupils, teeth in the upper jaw, no parotoid glands and the spade. It has dusky olive to brown or gray on the dorsal surface with darker blotches. There are scattered tubercles which maybe yellow or orange in color. The belly is white. It is separated from the Western Spadefoot by having a trill usually lasts longer than one second and a longer spade.
The taxonomy of this species is still being debated. Some experts consider this a separate genus and species (Spea multiplicata), the New Mexico spadefoot, while others consider it a subspecies of the Western Spadefoot (Scaphiopus hammondi multiplicata). It hybridizes with the Plains Spadefoot where their ranges overlap.
LIFE HISTORY: The Southern Spadefoot
ranges as far North as Southeast Utah and maybe present on the Manti-La
Sal National Forest. This spadefoot inhabits a variety of habitats,
from desert grasslands to open pine forest. It is subterranean when
inactive and prefers sandy or gravely soils. The species is active
from late March through September, and are most active at night.
BREEDING: The Southern Spadefoot breeds
during periods of heavy summer rains. The eggs are deposited in the
temporary pools, formed from these rains, permanent ponds, and streams.
The eggs are deposited in clusters of 10 to 40 eggs each and are attached
to plants or other objects in the water. The eggs are pigmented.
DIET: Larvae eat suspended matter,
organic debris, algae, plant tissue, and small aquatic invertebrates.
Adults consume a variety of small arthropods.
VOICE: The call is a metallic cat
like purr lasting 3/4- 1 1/2 seconds. It lasts longer and has more
vibration than other spadefoot calls. CLICK
HERE to hear recorded call (you are able to listen just to the
CALL
of the Southern Spadefoot).
USDA,
Forest Service
Federal
Building
324
25th Street
Ogden,
Utah 84401