About Pelobates fuscus (Laurenti, 1768)
Pelobates fuscus (Laurenti, 1768) is a species of toad in the family Pelobatidae. It is native to a geographic range that extends from Central Europe to Western Asia. This species has several common names: common spadefoot, garlic toad, common spadefoot toad, and European common spadefoot. Adult males grow to approximately 6.5 centimetres (2.6 in) in length, while adult females reach roughly 8 centimetres (3.1 in). Skin colour varies by habitat, gender, and region, but the dorsal surface is usually light-grey to beige-brown. The skin is marked with individual-specific darker mottling. The belly is white, and may sometimes have grey mottling. Albino individuals of this species have been observed. Traditionally, two subspecies of Pelobates fuscus have been recognized: Pelobates fuscus fuscus, found in central Europe, and Pelobates fuscus insubricus, found in Northern Italy. In practice, no physical or behavioural trait can be used to distinguish these proposed subspecies. A recent study found no haplotype segregation among Northern Italian populations, meaning these populations do not belong to a separate distinct subspecies. 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. Populations from eastern Europe are sufficiently genetically distinct that they may qualify for separate species status as Pelobates vespertinus. 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.
