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Care Sheet: Common Spadefoot Toad (Pelobates fuscus)

Common Name: Common Spadefoot Toad, Garlic Toad.

Scientific Name: Pelobates fuscus.

Distribution: Most of central Europe.

Size: 8cm.

Sexing: Males can be identified by an oval gland positioned at the top of the forelimbs. Males are also smaller in body size than females.

Colouration: The dorsal surface can range from greyish yellow to brown with darker brown or olive spots. The Ventral surface is plain greyish white. Some individuals may have a number of red spots these vary greatly and are especially prominent in P.f.insubricus.

Requirements: These rather beautiful toads require only a small terrarium. A 15 gallon tank would be adequate for an adult pair. They require a fossorial savannah type set-up with a deep substrate of loose sandy soil. Furnishings such as driftwood, cork bark, and sturdy leafed plants can be arranged to provide a number of hiding places. A small water bowl (no deeper than the frog's nostrils when at rest) must be provided with clean de-chlorinated or spring water. The water will need to be changed daily to avoid the build up of ammonia and bacteria in the water whilst changing the water it is a good idea to visually inspect the tank and remove, clean and replace any soiled items. If kept in a warm household the tank will not require additional heating. A light source may be provided by the means of a fluorescent UVB tube although this is not strictly necessary. Once every two-three weeks the tank and its contents should be completely cleaned and sterilised using an amphibian / reptile friendly disinfectant.

Feeding: For adults a mixture of suitably sized insects including crickets, caterpillars, beetles, wax worm and ants should be fed every two-three days. A calcium and vitamin supplement should be used once a week. Young toads will take hatchling crickets, sphids, & fruitflies. These should be fed every day and a calcium and vitamin supplement used two-three times a week.