Facts about Great Basin Spadefoot
- 09
Toxic skin secretions of Scaphiopus intermontanus contain alkaloid compounds that provide defense against predators including snakes and arthropods in desert environments.
- 08
Tadpoles of Great Basin Spadefoot toads exhibit phenotypic plasticity, developing into either omnivorous or carnivorous morphs based on food availability and environmental conditions within the same clutch.
- 07
Adult Great Basin Spadefoot toads can survive for up to 12 years in the wild, with some captive individuals documented living beyond 15 years.
- 06
In the Great Basin region, Scaphiopus intermontanus inhabits alkaline and saline temporary pools that most other amphibians cannot tolerate due to high mineral concentrations.
- 05
Embryos of Scaphiopus intermontanus can develop into either omnivorous or carnivorous tadpole morphs within the same breeding cohort depending on environmental conditions and food availability.
- 04
Scaphiopus intermontanus males produce distinctive loud trills during breeding calls that can reach frequencies of 1.5 to 2 kilohertz to attract females in temporary desert pools.
- 03
During breeding season, Great Basin Spadefoot tadpoles can metamorphose into toadlets in as little as three weeks, one of the fastest development rates among North American amphibians.
- 02
The Great Basin Spadefoot's spade-like hind foot protrusions contain a hardened, keratinous tubercle that enables rapid burrowing into dry soil at depths exceeding two feet.
- 01
Spadefoot toads can remain underground in a dormant state for up to eight years waiting for heavy rainfall to trigger breeding in the Great Basin region.