Pelobates fuscus (Laurenti, 1768)

Taxonomic Classification

Pelobates fuscus (Laurenti, 1768) is a species of toad in the family Pelobatidae.

Native Range

It is native to a geographic range that extends from Central Europe to Western Asia.

Common Names

This species has several common names: common spadefoot, garlic toad, common spadefoot toad, and European common spadefoot.

Adult Size

Adult males grow to approximately 6.5 centimetres (2.6 in) in length, while adult females reach roughly 8 centimetres (3.1 in).

Dorsal Coloration

Skin colour varies by habitat, gender, and region, but the dorsal surface is usually light-grey to beige-brown.

Skin Markings

The skin is marked with individual-specific darker mottling.

Ventral Coloration

The belly is white, and may sometimes have grey mottling.

Morphological Anomalies

Albino individuals of this species have been observed.

Traditional Subspecies Classification

Traditionally, two subspecies of Pelobates fuscus have been recognized: Pelobates fuscus fuscus, found in central Europe, and Pelobates fuscus insubricus, found in Northern Italy.

Subspecies Distinguishability

In practice, no physical or behavioural trait can be used to distinguish these proposed subspecies.

Northern Italian Population Genetics

A recent study found no haplotype segregation among Northern Italian populations, meaning these populations do not belong to a separate distinct subspecies.

Northern Italian Conservation Status

However, haplotypes from some Northern Italian valleys are very distinct, which supports a different conservation approach: this is based on their unique genetic differentiation, not a separate taxonomic classification.

Eastern European Taxonomic Status

Populations from eastern Europe are sufficiently genetically distinct that they may qualify for separate species status as Pelobates vespertinus.

Defense Mechanisms

When this toad is alarmed, it produces a very loud alarm call, and can secrete a noxious secretion that smells like garlic — this scent is the origin of its common name garlic toad.