Amphibian · Terrestrial frog
Plains spadefoot care guide
Spea bombifrons
The plains spadefoot is a intermediate-level terrestrial frog from Great Plains, USA and southern Prairie provinces. Adults reach 4–6 cm and live 8–10 years in captivity. Needs deep, slightly damp sandy soil to burrow; native species are protected, so captive-bred only.
- Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
- Temp 20–27°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a plains spadefoot cost in Canada?
Plains spadefoot quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 4–6 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–10 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Great Plains, USA and southern Prairie provinces
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 20–27°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches, worms
- Bioactive style
- Terrestrial amphibian
Plains spadefoot enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 inches). Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a terrestrial amphibian bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix15 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls3 cm
Burrowing amphibians need soft, moist soil they can dig into – keep it damp, never waterlogged, and provide a shallow water dish.
Temperature: 20–27°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a plains spadefoot eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, worms. Feed adults dusted insects every 2–3 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Hands-off.
Health watch: Skin infections from waterlogged substrate.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check temperature (many salamanders need it cool) and keep the water dish clean.
Weekly
- Feed; remove uneaten food.
- Moisten soil if the surface dries; check the drainage layer.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter; check crew numbers.
Yearly
- Refresh the top of the soil.
Recommended for a plains spadefoot bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 30 cm).
Plains spadefoot FAQ
Is the plains spadefoot good for beginners?
The plains spadefoot is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Hands-off.
What size enclosure does a plains spadefoot need?
At least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (about 18 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a plains spadefoot cost in Canada?
Typically $30–60 CAD to buy, about $280–510 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $100–200 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a plains spadefoot need?
Temperature: 20–27°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a plains spadefoot eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, worms. Feed adults dusted insects every 2–3 days.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.