Tag Archives: Toads in Spain

Reptiles and Amphibians of Spain, Wildlife

Spanish Spadefoot Toad – Pelobates cultripes – Sapo de Espuelas

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Spanish Spadefoot Toad – Pelobates cultripes – Sapo de Espuelas, a member of the Pelobatidae family, is a toad species known by several common names, including the Western spadefoot, Iberian spadefoot toad, Spanish spadefoot toad, and Wagler’s spadefoot toad. This species is primarily found across the Iberian Peninsula, with isolated populations in southern and western France.

Physical Characteristics

The Spanish spadefoot toad is a medium-sized toad, typically measuring around 7 to 8 cm in length. It has a distinctive spade-like protrusion on its hind feet, which it uses to burrow into the soil. Its skin is usually greenish-grey or brown, with darker spots or blotches. The toad has a broad head and eyes with vertical pupils.

Habitat and Behavior

This species is found in a variety of habitats, including sandy soils, dunes, and grasslands. It is active mainly at night and is an excellent burrower. The toad spends most of its life underground and emerges to breed during the rainy season, typically between February and April.

Diet

The Spanish spadefoot toad is carnivorous and feeds on a range of invertebrates, including beetles, spiders, and snails.

Reproduction

Breeding typically occurs in temporary pools or ponds created by rainwater. Males call to attract females, and once they mate, the female lays strings of eggs that attach to vegetation in the water. The eggs hatch into tadpoles, which develop into toadlets within a few months.

Conservation Status

The Spanish spadefoot toad is currently listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, some populations have experienced declines due to habitat destruction and fragmentation.

Status in Spain

In Spain, the Spanish spadefoot toad is protected by law, and its capture or trade is prohibited. The species is found throughout most of the country, with the exception of the Balearic Islands and parts of the north.

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Reptiles and Amphibians of Spain

Midwife toads in Spain

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Midwife toads (Alytes obstetricans) are actually frogs, not toads. They belong to the family Alytidae (formerly Discoglossidae), which is a group of frogs that are found in Europe and northern Africa. They are called “midwife toads” because of their unique breeding behavior, in which the male carries the fertilized eggs on his hind legs, but they are not classified as toads. Toads and frogs are both amphibians, but they are different groups of animals. Toads are generally stockier and have rough, warty skin, while frogs are typically more slender and have smooth skin.

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Reptiles and Amphibians of Spain

Western Iberian Painted Frog – Discoglossus galganoi – Sapillo pintojo ibérico

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  • English: Iberian painted frog
  • Scientific: Discoglossus galganoi
  • Spanish: Sapillo pintojo ibérico
  • French: Discoglosse de Galgano
  • German: Iberische Scheibenzüngler
  • Italian: Discoglosso di Galgano
  • Portuguese: rã-de-focinho-pontiagudo

Description

A medium sized frog, the western Iberian Painted Frog – Discoglossus galganoi – Sapillo pintojo ibérico is usually 45 to 60 mm (1¾ to 2½ inches). The head is flattened and wide at the rear with a pointed snout. The skin smooth or with small warts and the coloration is very variable, ranging from greenish, yellowish, brown, grey or dark brown with irregular darker spots, which may eventually form longitudinal streaks.

A medium sized toad, the Iberian Painted Frog - Discoglossus galganoi - Sapillo pintojo ibérico looks very similar to a frog
The Iberian Painted Frog – Discoglossus galganoi – Sapillo pintojo ibérico – a medium sized frog

Mainly of crepiscular and nocturnal activity, although also can be seen out and about in the daytime in wet weather.

Living in a variety of habitats in open areas, small streams, rivers, ponds and woodland of high humidity with abundant herbaceous vegetation that serves as a refuge. The water bodies which they use for breeding are usually small and often temporary, puddles, overflow from troughs and still areas in slow running streams.

They feed primarily on insects, arachnids, molluscs and annelids. The larvae feed on plant matter and debris.

A medium sized toad, the Iberian Painted Frog - Discoglossus galganoi - Sapillo pintojo ibérico looks very similar to a frog

The breeding season extends from the onset of the autumn rains to the end of April. Often the most pairing and spawning occurs between January and March. Females lay between 300 and 600 eggs which are fixed to the bottom of the water body, they hatch between 5 to 9 days later and metamorphosis is completed after 42-58 days. (Can be less in temporary water masses)

Similar species

There are two similar looking species which can be distinguished mainly by their distribution:

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