antonsrkn
Narcissus
Eastern Spadefoot (Scaphiopus holbrookii) - Eastern North Carolina, USA
A few weeks ago we had heavy rains which brought with them spadefoot activity. These toads spend most of their time underground becoming active only after heavy rains when they form large breeding aggregations in flooded areas. This was one such night with many spadefoots calling, in amplexus, and depositing their eggs. This frenzy has evolved as their breeding time is uncertain and if they miss an opportunity to pass down their genes there may not be another for a long time as its reliant on specific weather conditions. Populations may go over a year without breeding opportunities so when they do present themselves the toads take advantage. Not this one however, he was content to sit far from all the action. Just him and his reflection in this corner of the flood zone.
Narcissus
Eastern Spadefoot (Scaphiopus holbrookii) - Eastern North Carolina, USA
A few weeks ago we had heavy rains which brought with them spadefoot activity. These toads spend most of their time underground becoming active only after heavy rains when they form large breeding aggregations in flooded areas. This was one such night with many spadefoots calling, in amplexus, and depositing their eggs. This frenzy has evolved as their breeding time is uncertain and if they miss an opportunity to pass down their genes there may not be another for a long time as its reliant on specific weather conditions. Populations may go over a year without breeding opportunities so when they do present themselves the toads take advantage. Not this one however, he was content to sit far from all the action. Just him and his reflection in this corner of the flood zone.