Scaphiopus couchii

Scientific name. Scaphiopus couchii

Common Name. Couch’s Spadefoot

General information. Scaphiopus couchii is nocturnal, but it is rarely seen without rain. It burrows deeply underground backwards using its hind feet.

Protected status. Couch’s Spadefoot is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Stout toad with NO boss between eyes (S. hurterii with boss) Vertical pupils. Skin covered with many small warts Hind limbs have single, sickle-shaped tubercle (a spade) on inner surface (tubercle is wedge-shaped in Spea).

Coloration. Dorsal coloration varies from bright green-yellow to brown-yellow with dorsal surface mottled with dark green, brown, or black markings White ventral surface.

General distribution. In North America, Scaphiopus couchii is found in the southwest United States extending into Mexico, including the Baja Peninsula.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Scaphiopus couchii is found throughout the western two-thirds of the state.

Habitat. Scaphiopus couchii prefers grassland prairies and mesquite savannas. It seeks shelter under fallen logs and is adapted to arid and semi-arid conditions.

Reproduction. Breeding in Scaphiopus couchii takes place from April to September following heavy rains. Eggs hatch within 36 hours and the tadpoles develop quickly, often metamorphosing into toadlets within two weeks.

Size. Scaphiopus couchii grows to an adult size of 6-11 cm (2.2-3.5 in).

Calls.

Map. Orange counties indicate new county records since previous Herps of Texas update in 1998; all other colored counties reflect known distribution prior to 1998 for species and/or subspecies. Map is based on museum voucher specimens.