pwhitfieldgibbons's Identifications

Marion County Florida

Deuterostome Description:

Visual Description:

• Shape: The shape of the organism was oval with a narrow mouth and pointed rear (frog-shaped). It had four limbs, two large eyes, one mouth, two nostrils, no webbing between front feet, slight webbing in hind feet, and an overall bumpy body.
• Size: The size was between 1-2 inches long and approximately half an inch wide.
• Coloration: The coloration was a mixture of light and dark grey patterning on the body with a slight blueish hue along with numerous orange spots on its bumps and a ghostly white color with light grey bands on the feet.
• Reproductive structures: The reproductive structures were not visible/present.
• Distinguishing characteristic: The distinguishing characteristic of Spadefoot Toads are large yellow eyes with elliptical pupils and a dark spade on the hind feet that are used for digging.

Habitat: I found this organism in a dry pine scrub forest habitat while camping. As I was setting up the tent, he jumped out of the forest in search of food.

Geographic Distribution: This organism is found in the Eastern United States in areas such as fields and woodlands with loose soil. They prefer sandy habitats, but can be found in nearly every habitat type.

Reference: https://srelherp.uga.edu/anurans/scahol.htm#:~:text=The%20characteristics%20used%20to%20immediately,throughout%20the%20eastern%20United%20States.

I did not count the costal grooves, so I am unsure if this is the lesser or greater. I also do not know if the color in the bright picture is determinate of species either. My hand is in the last picture for scale. I appreciate any help if a conclusion can be drawn from these pictures!