Western Spadefoot
Spea hammondii
![[Western Spadefoot]](/images/139ds.jpg)
Description
Distribution Range
General range map taken from CWHR.
Typical Elevation
We do not yet have enough records from distinct localities to calculate typical elevation. We need 25 more distinct localities.
Taxonomy
The Western Spadefoot (Spea hammondii) was originally described in 1859 by Baird as Scaphiopus hammondii. See Amphibian Species of the World.
There are no currently recognized subspecies.
Pronunciation
The assumed IPA pronunciation of this species: /speɪ ɑ/ /hæ ˈmɒn di/
Taxonomic Etymology
Spea comes from the Greek σπέος (speos) and means cavern or grotto. It probably is a reference to the large amount of time this species spends below the surface.
hammondii honors John F. Hammond (Beltz 2006).
Taxonomy Notes
The genus Spea was suggested for western species of spadefoots by Cope in 1866 due to morphological differences between them and eastern spadefoots (Cope 1866 pg 81).
However many herpetologists consider Spea to be a subgenera of Scaphiopus and thus continue to refer to this species as Scaphiopus hammondii.
Additional Information
Notes
The holotype specimen (USNM 3695) for this species is described as coming from Fort Reading, CA., which I presume is the same Fort Reading that was located near Redding, CA and operational at that time. The specimen appears to be missing from their collection. I know of no other museum records for this species in Shasta County, it may be extinct here but thorough searches in prime habitat during spring showers should be done. The species is still extant in Tehama County.
Images
Unless otherwise noted, all images are of wild specimens in Shasta County.
Please be kind, do not hotlink images and do not use images without permission of the copyright owner.
![[Western Spadefoot]](/images/139sm.jpg)
©Rob Schell
Adult. Notice the vertical pupils that readily distinguish this species from Western Toads. Santa Clara County, CA.
Courtesy of CalPhotos
![[Western Spadefoot]](/images/140sm.jpg)
Habitat Shots
Unless otherwise noted, these habitat shots are from within Shasta County where this species is known to occur.
There currently are no images to display.
Similar Species
Western Toad
The Western Toad (Anaxyrus boreas) has round pupils, very pronounced parotoid glands, and with the exception of some young has a distinct white dorsal stripe.
Species of Special Concern
This species is listed as a Species of Special Concern by the State of California Department of Fish & Game.
If you come across this species, please note that it may be a violation of state law to collect it or even touch it. Federal laws may also apply.
If you can, please do the following:
- Accurately record the location where the animal was found. The best way to do this is with a GPS device.
- Photograph the specimen. Take as many photographs as you can without causing too much stress to the animal.
- Take note of the habitat and its condition. Photographs are good for this, but do not always tell the entire story.
- Take note on any possible threats to the population. For example, if it is one of our threatened native frog species, is there an American Bullfrog population in the immediate vicinity? Are you aware of an American Bullfrog population in a nearby aquatic system? What about erosion? Introduced trout?
- Report the sighting to the California Natural Diversity Database.
It takes a little effort to file a report, but your report may help the necessary agencies protect that population. It is difficult for them to protect populations they do not know about or populations they think are extirpated. Even species of special concern that are currently doing well in Shasta County should be reported. When population declines happen, they tend to happen very fast. Reports of specific localities where a species is known to have occured may help researchers determine survey sites if our population of one of these species does crash.
![[Sponsor ShastaHerps.org]](/images/SherpBanner2.png)
