Common spadefoot
Encyclopedia
Pelobates fuscus is a species of toad
in the family Pelobatidae
, native to an area extending from Central Europe
to Western Asia. It is commonly known as the Common Spadefoot, Garlic Toad, the Common Spadefoot Toad and the European Common Spadefoot.
The common spadefoot grows to a length of approximately 6.5 centimetres (2.6 in) for males and 8 centimetres (3.1 in) for females. The skin colouration varies depending upon habitat, gender and region, but is usually light-grey to beige-brown on the dorsal surface. The skin is mottled by darker marks that differ between individuals. The belly is white, sometimes with grey mottling. Albino specimens have been observed.
Two subspecies are traditionally recognised: Pelobates fuscus fuscus (from central Europe) and Pelobates fuscus insubricus (from N. Italy). In reality there is no physical or behavioural character allowing to distinguish these supposed subspecies. A recent study showed that there is no haplotype
segregation for the populations of N. Italy, that, therefore, are not to be ascribed to a different subspecies . Haplotypes from some N. Italian valleys are very characteristic and support a different conception in terms of conservation: not for a different taxonomic
position but, instead, for a peculiar differentiation. Populations from eastern Europe appear sufficiently different to warrant a possible species status (Pelobates vespertinus).
When alarmed, it emits a very loud call (alarm call) and it can exude a noxious secretion which bears a garlic
odour, hence the common name "garlic toad".
Toad
A toad is any of a number of species of amphibians in the order Anura characterized by dry, leathery skin , short legs, and snoat-like parotoid glands...
in the family Pelobatidae
Pelobatidae
The European spadefoot toads are a family of frogs, the Pelobatidae, with only one extant genus Pelobates, containing four species. They are native to Europe, the Mediterranean, northwestern Africa and western Asia....
, native to an area extending from Central Europe
Central Europe
Central Europe or alternatively Middle Europe is a region of the European continent lying between the variously defined areas of Eastern and Western Europe...
to Western Asia. It is commonly known as the Common Spadefoot, Garlic Toad, the Common Spadefoot Toad and the European Common Spadefoot.
The common spadefoot grows to a length of approximately 6.5 centimetres (2.6 in) for males and 8 centimetres (3.1 in) for females. The skin colouration varies depending upon habitat, gender and region, but is usually light-grey to beige-brown on the dorsal surface. The skin is mottled by darker marks that differ between individuals. The belly is white, sometimes with grey mottling. Albino specimens have been observed.
Two subspecies are traditionally recognised: Pelobates fuscus fuscus (from central Europe) and Pelobates fuscus insubricus (from N. Italy). In reality there is no physical or behavioural character allowing to distinguish these supposed subspecies. A recent study showed that there is no haplotype
Haplotype
A haplotype in genetics is a combination of alleles at adjacent locations on the chromosome that are transmitted together...
segregation for the populations of N. Italy, that, therefore, are not to be ascribed to a different subspecies . Haplotypes from some N. Italian valleys are very characteristic and support a different conception in terms of conservation: not for a different taxonomic
Taxonomy
Taxonomy is the science of identifying and naming species, and arranging them into a classification. The field of taxonomy, sometimes referred to as "biological taxonomy", revolves around the description and use of taxonomic units, known as taxa...
position but, instead, for a peculiar differentiation. Populations from eastern Europe appear sufficiently different to warrant a possible species status (Pelobates vespertinus).
When alarmed, it emits a very loud call (alarm call) and it can exude a noxious secretion which bears a garlic
Garlic
Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, is a species in the onion genus, Allium. Its close relatives include the onion, shallot, leek, chive, and rakkyo. Dating back over 6,000 years, garlic is native to central Asia, and has long been a staple in the Mediterranean region, as well as a frequent...
odour, hence the common name "garlic toad".