Pelobatidae - European spadefoot toads

There are four species in this family. Spadefoot toads get their name from the hard, sharp, bony "spade" on their hind feet. they use this spade to dig backwards into sandy soil to create burrows.

European spadefoot toads have round, stocky bodies; short, rounded snouts; large, bulging eyes; and smooth skin. They are usually a dull gray or brown in color.

European spadefoot toads are found in Europe, western Asia, and northwestern Africa. There is a family of spadefoot toads found in North America that was once part of this family. They are now placed in their own family, Scaphiopodidae.

World Status Key
Least Concern Near Threatened Vulnerable Endangered Critically Endangered Extinct in Wild Extinct
Status and range is taken from ICUN Redlist. If no status is listed, there is not enough data to establish status.

US Status Key
Threatened in US Threatened in NH Endangered in US Endangered in NH Breeds N.H. Introduced
Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife and NH Fish and Game

Other Species Around the World
Africa Antarctica Asia Australia/Oceania Europe North America South America NH
Western Spadefoot - Pelobates cultripes Common Spadefoot - Pelobates fuscus		Eastern Spadefoot - Pelobates syriacus Varaldi's Spadefoot Toad - Pelobates varaldii

Additional Information

Key: Profile Photos Video Audio

Common Spadefoot - Pelobates fuscus
The common spadefoot is found in Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, and Ukraine.
Source: Amphibia Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: High School Teacher Section: No

Eastern Spadefoot - Pelobates syriacus
The eastern spadefoot is found Armenia; Azerbaijan; Bulgaria; Georgia; Greece; Iran, Israel; Lebanon; Macedonia, Romania; Russia; Serbia; Syria; and Turkey.
Source: Amphibia Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: High School Teacher Section: No

Varaldi's Spadefoot Toad - Pelobates varaldii
Varaldi's spadefoot is found in Morocco.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: Yes

Varaldi's Spadefoot Toad - Pelobates varaldii
Varaldi's spadefoot is also known as the Moroccan spadefoot. It is only active in the fall and winter. It stays in it burrow in the spring and summer.
Source: EDGE Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: No

Western Spadefoot - Pelobates cultripes
The western spadefoot is found in France, Portugal, and Spain.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: Yes

Western Spadefoot - Pelobates cultripes
The western spadefoot male is smaller than the female.
Source: Amphibia Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: High School Teacher Section: No