The Western spadefoot tadpole, or Spea hammondii, may also be referred to as the Plains spadefoot or the New Mexico spadefoot. These synonyms are due to the Western spadefoot's wide geographic range, which encompasses much of the western United States and parts of Mexico. Other colloquial names for this species include the sand toad, desert toad, and Arizona spadefoot. The Western spadefoot is notable for its ability to survive in arid environments and for its distinctive "spade" on its back legs, which it uses to dig into the ground to escape from predators or to aestivate during periods of dryness.