Scaphiopus hurterii

Scientific name. Scaphiopus hurterii

Common Name. Hurter’s Spadefoot

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

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

Diagnostic features. Stout toad with prominent boss between eyes (S. couchii without boss) Vertical pupils and skin covered with many small warts. Hind limbs have single, sickle-shaped tubercle, or spade on inner surface (wedge-shaped tubercle in Spea)

Coloration. Dorsal color varies from olive green to green-brown, or almost black. Two curved, light stripes present on dorsal surface Ventral surface white or pale gray.

General distribution. In North America, Scaphiopus hurterii is found in eastern Oklahoma and Texas, and western Arkansas and Louisiana.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Scaphiopus hurterii is found in the eastern half of the state.

Habitat. Scaphiopus hurterii is seen in wooded and savanna areas and is also found in the arid terrain of South Texas.

Reproduction. Breeding in Scaphiopus hurterii occurs from March to September following heavy rains. Eggs hatch within 48 hours and the tadpoles develop quickly, becoming small toadlets within two weeks.

Size. Scaphiopus hurterii can reach an adult length of 4-7 cm (1.7-2.5 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.