Hurter's spadefoot toad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hurter's spadefoot toad |
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The Hurter's spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus hurterii) is a special kind of toad found in the south central United States. You can spot them in states like Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. They might even live in northern Mexico! These toads are part of a family called American spadefoot toads.
About Hurter's Spadefoot Toads
This toad used to be thought of as a type of eastern spadefoot toad. But scientists later decided it was unique enough to be its own species. This means it has enough differences to be separate from other toads.
The scientific name for this toad is Scaphiopus hurterii. The second part of the name, hurterii, honors a famous naturalist named Julius Hurter. He was a Swiss-American scientist who worked at the St. Louis Academy of Sciences.
Where Hurter's Spadefoot Toads Live
Hurter's spadefoot toads like to live in places with sandy, gravelly, or soft soil. You can find them in areas with trees or open spaces. They also live in sandy woodlands and savannas. Sometimes, they are found in areas with mesquite bushes.
These toads are very good at digging. When it's dry or they need to rest, they burrow deep underground. This helps them stay safe and cool.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Hurter's spadefoot toads are known for their quick breeding habits. They wait for heavy rains to create temporary pools of water. These pools are perfect for them to lay their eggs.
Once the eggs hatch, the tadpoles grow quickly. They need to develop into toads before the temporary pools dry up. This fast growth helps them survive in their changing environment.
