| These toads only are seen after several heavy rainfalls have occurred. They spend most of their lives underground in a state of estivation. Once the necessary rains soften the ground they emerge in great numbers and breed in temporary pools of water. The tadpoles develop very quickly before the water evaporates. They get their name from the tough spade-shaped tubercle on the hind feet that they use to dig their burrows. This specimen was photographed at Big Bend National Park during the rains of August. |
