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Mexican Spadefoot
Mexican spadefoot

NPS photo

Mexican Spadefoot (Spea multiplicata)

Similar in habit to Couch’s spadefoot, the Mexican spadefoot is active during the summer rainy season. They are brownish-gray in color with scattered dark blotches and red bumps. When handled, they emit a skin secretion with a peanut-like odor which may cause the handler’s eyes and nose to run. The call of the Mexican spadefoot has been described as the sound a fingernail makes when dragged along the teeth of a comb.

Length: 1 ½ - 2 ½ in. (3.8 - 6.3 cm)

Diet: Insects

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Gila Monster

Did You Know?
Gila monsters are one of two venomous lizards in the world. The other is the similar Mexican beaded lizard. Gila monster venom evolved as a defensive rather than offensive weapon.
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Last Updated: August 25, 2008 at 17:26 MST