HABITAT

Ephemeral fishless ponds.  These frogs inhabit forests with sandy, loose soil.  They usually spend the day in underground burrows, emerging at night to feed.  Tadpoles form large, conspicuous schools.

BREEDING SEASON

Breeding occurs after extremely heavy rains of several inches or more which stimulates the entire population to breed.   Breeding occurs in ephemeral or temporary wetlands.  Tadpoles develop quickly and the metamorphs typically emerge within three weeks.

SIMILAR TADPOLES

 Bufo quercicus, Bufo terrestris

APPEARANCE

Head

Dorsal close set eyes. Pointed beak-like snout.

Body

Scaphiopus holbrookii tadpoles have broad bodies that are wider near the eyes than the vent. Their bodies are dark bronze to brown in color with small close set orange spots.  The belly is relatively translucent clear to yellow and it is possible to see gills and internal organs under the skin. 

Tail

Short and rounded.

APPROXIMATE MAXIMUM SIZE

Medium:  < 1.4 inches, 35mm.