Pelobates fuscus

(Laurenti, 1768)

Vernacular names
English : Common spadefoot
French : Pélobate brun

Classification
Class : Amphibia
Order : Anura
Family : Pelobatidae
Notes : 2 subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to 8 cm in length but the tadpoles are much bigger, reaching 18 cm. Wide head with blunt snout. Skin relatively smooth. Coloration beige-yellow (males), grey (females) with dark-edged brown blotches and small red spots.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in most of Europe and western Asia, from eastern France and Netherlands to Kazakhstan and western Siberia. Lives in all kinds of lowland habitat with reasonably dry soils, including plantations.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a large range and remains relatively common where suitable habitat remains. Subspecies from the Po valley is highly endangered.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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