Axantismo en el Sapo de Espuelas Mexicano, Spea multiplicata (Scaphiopodidae)

A rare case of axanthism, characterized by partial loss of pigmentation, has been documented in the Mexican spadefoot toad (Spea multiplicata) from a dam in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, Puebla, Mexico. This observation represents the first record of this chromatic anomaly in the species and contributes to the growing list of amphibians in Mexico exhibiting such traits. While axanthism is uncommon, its documentation provides valuable insights into the biology of S. multiplicata, raising questions about its ecological implications and potential effects on individual survival. The study highlights the importance of monitoring and understanding such anomalies to deepen our knowledge of species' adaptations and vulnerabilities.

Rojas-Velasco, I. Y., Gutiérrez-Tovar, L., Neria-Hernández, D. A., Avendaño-Morales, A., Sunny, A., Hidalgo Licona, L. F., & Martínez Vaca-León, O. I. (2025). Axanthism in the Mexican spadefoot, Spea multiplicata (Scaphiopodidae). Herpetología Mexicana, (10), 51–56. https://doi.org/10.69905/bccr1d65