European spadefoot toads facts for kids

Quick facts for kids European Spadefoot Toads Temporal range: Late Jurassic – Recent PreЄ Є O S D C P T J K Pg N
Pelobates fuscus fuscus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Suborder:	Mesobatrachia
Family:	Pelobatidae
Species
Pelobates cultripes Pelobates fuscus Pelobates syriacus Pelobates varaldii
The distribution of extant pelobatids (in black).

The European spadefoot toads are a special group of frogs. They belong to a family called Pelobatidae. There is only one main group, or genus, of these toads that is still alive today. This group is named Pelobates.

There are four different kinds, or species, of European spadefoot toads. You can find them living in Europe, around the Mediterranean Sea, in northwestern Africa, and in western Asia.

About European Spadefoot Toads

These toads are usually small to medium-sized. They can grow up to about 10 cm (4 inches) long. They are known for their unique way of living.

Digging Experts

European spadefoot toads are excellent at digging. They have a hard, shovel-like bump on their feet. This special bump helps them burrow into sandy soil very quickly. They spend most of their time underground.

They usually come out from their burrows when it rains. This is when they look for food and find partners to breed. They often breed in temporary pools of water. These pools might not last very long.

Growing Up Fast

All European spadefoot toads have tadpoles that live in water. The female toads lay their eggs in temporary ponds. These ponds can dry up quickly, especially if there isn't much rain.

Because of this, the tadpole stage is very short. They need to grow into adult frogs super fast! Some can change from a tadpole to a tiny frog in as little as two weeks.

To help them grow even faster, some tadpoles eat other tadpoles. This might sound strange, but it gives them extra protein. This protein helps them develop quickly before their pond disappears.

Types of European Spadefoot Toads

The family Pelobatidae includes the following groups:

• Genus †Elkobatrachus
  • †Elkobatrachus brocki
• Genus Pelobates
  • Western Spadefoot Toad (Pelobates cultripes)
  • Common Spadefoot (Pelobates fuscus)
  • Eastern Spadefoot Toad (Pelobates syriacus)
  • Moroccan Spadefoot Toad (Pelobates varaldii)

See also

In Spanish: Sapos de espuelas para niños