Species profile
Couch's Spadefoot
Scaphiopus couchii
Identify Couch's Spadefoot (Scaphiopus couchii) from a photo — free, unlimited, no sign-up — with the CatchRules iPhone app. Plus current fishing rules across 1 jurisdiction.
At a glance
Couch's Spadefoot (Scaphiopus couchii) is an IUCN Least Concern amphibian with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
Confirmed by 6,438 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Named after naturalist Darius Nash Couch, who collected specimens in the 1850s.
- A dark, sickle-shaped spade on each hind foot enables rapid backward burrowing.
- Can remain dormant underground for up to 10 months during dry periods.
- Breeds explosively in temporary desert pools triggered by summer monsoon rains.
- Tadpoles can complete metamorphosis in as few as 9–13 days, among the fastest of any North American amphibian.
Where Couch's Spadefoot are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Couch's Spadefoot
Background
Couch's spadefoot toad or Couch's spadefoot (Scaphiopus couchii) is a species of North American spadefoot toad (family Scaphiopodidae). The specific epithet couchii is in honor of American naturalist Darius Nash Couch, who collected the first specimen while on a personal expedition to northern Mexico to collect plant, mineral, and animal specimens for the Smithsonian Institution.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Couch's Spadefoot article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other amphibians on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Couch's Spadefoot?
Couch's Spadefoot (Scaphiopus couchii) is an IUCN Least Concern amphibian with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
What is the scientific name for Couch's Spadefoot?
Couch's Spadefoot is Scaphiopus couchii.
Is Couch's Spadefoot regulated for fishing?
Yes — Couch's Spadefoot has fishing regulations in 1 U.S. state and/or Canadian province tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify Couch's Spadefoot?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes Couch's Spadefoot along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.