Scientific Name: Pelobates fuscus.
Common Names: Common Spadefoot Toad, Garlic Toad.
Distribution: Most of central Europe.
Size: 8cm.
Sexing: Males can be identified by an oval gland positioned at the top of the forelimbs. Males are also smaller in body size than females.
Colouration: The dorsal surface can range from greyish yellow to brown with darker brown or olive spots. The Ventral surface is plain greyish white. Some individuals may have a number of red spots these vary greatly and are especially prominent in P.f.insubricus.
Requirements: These rather beautiful toads require only a small terrarium. A 24x12x15" tank would be adequate for an adult pair. They require a fossorial grass-land type set-up with a deep (10-15cm) substrate of loose sandy soil in which they can burrow. Furnishings such as wood, flat rocks, cork bark, and sturdy leafed plants can be arranged to provide a number of hiding places. A small water bowl must be provided with clean de-chlorinated or spring water. If kept in a frost-free location the tank will not require additional heating. A light source may be provided by the means of a 2-5% fluorescent UVB tube although this is not strictly necessary.
Maintenance: Water will need changing daily to avoid the build up of ammonia and bacteria. Whilst changing the water it is a good idea to spot clean the tank and remove, clean, and replace any soiled items. At least once a month the entire terrarium and it's contents should be striped, cleaned, and sterilized using an amphibian friendly disinfectant.
Feeding: For adults a mixture of suitably sized insects including crickets, caterpillars, beetles, spiders, earthworm, and waxworm should be fed every two-three days with a calcium and vitamin supplement used once a week. Young toads will take hatchling crickets, aphids, & fruitflies, these should be fed every day and a calcium and vitamin supplement used every other feed.
