BATRACHIANS OF THE VICINITY OF NEW YORK 191 



(cat-like), a characteristic which is useful in distinguishing this 

 species from the Common Toad, since in the latter the pupil is 

 horizontal. 



The species presents some variation in color pattern. Speci- 

 mens from the northern portions of the United States are some- 

 times nearly uniform in color, while those from the extreme 

 South possess a very distinct pattern. Length of body, in 

 sitting posture, 2\ inches; total length, hind limbs outstretched, 

 5 inches; width of head over ear plates i^ inches. 



Range: The entire eastern United States, from New England 

 to Florida and westward to Texas. 



FIG. 17. THE SPADEFOOT TOAD 

 From specimen in New York Zoological Park 



Local Distribution: Rare. 



The retiring habits of the Spadefoot Toad render it an object 



seldom seen. The animal employs the sharp scoops of its hind 



feet to work its way into the soft ground or sand, and there 



passes the hours of daylight entirely hidden. At night or after 



hea\^ showers it ventures abroad for food, sometimes lingering 



in the vicinity of a rain-pool and uttering its plaintive cry. 



During the latter part of April and in May this toad congregates 



in numbers about shallow bodies of water to breed. The voice 



of the male resembles the tremulous call of the Common Toad, 



but is slightly louder. The eggs are similar to those of the Toad, 



and are laid in strings. The metamorphosis is completed within 



a few weeks from the time of hatching. 



[37] 



