Scaphiopus holbrookii 

The Eastern Spadefoot Toad occurs from the Florida Keys all the way up to Franklin County, Massachusetts (Mandica and Richmond, 2000). It is a unique species with a fascinating ecology. They breed in ephemeral wetlands and need a significant rain event to trigger reproduction. They can develop from egg to froglet in 8 days if the water in their pool dries too quickly. This is accomplished by triggering a 'cannibal morph' via hormones when water levels drop and stress is heightened. Tadpoles of the Eastern Spadefoot Toad can actually switch from a vegetarian diet to cannibalistic under these circumstances.

Eastern Spadefoots can be identified by their vertical pupil and yellow lyre shape on the back. Their call sounds like a humorous honking and in Georgia can be heard throughout the year when there is significant rain.

Eastern Spadefoot Toads are KNOWN from Fulton County and PREDICTED to occur in Dekalb County

Eggs

Larva

Larvae

Adult Juvenile