A new species of Ice Age toad discovered at La Brea Tar Pits: The spadefoot toad Spea labreae
For the first time, researchers have discovered a new species of extinct amphibian from Ice Age Los Angeles at La Brea Tar Pits: a spadefoot toad they have named Spea labreae. Only one other extinct Pleistocene amphibian from North America has ever been found (a tree frog from Florida).
Researchers have discovered a new species of extinct amphibian, Spea labreae, at the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, marking the first time a Pleistocene amphibian from North America has been found. The spadefoot toad, smaller than the mammoths and saber-toothed cats that made the Tar Pits famous, provides valuable insights into the climate during the end of the last ice age.
Dr. Alberto Cruz, the lead author of the study, initially thought the specimen was sick or injured but later confirmed it as a new species through extensive comparisons to modern spadefoot toads. This discovery highlights the ongoing daily discoveries at La Brea Tar Pits and emphasizes the importance of studying small reptiles and amphibians for understanding ancient climate and environmental changes.
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Also reported by 2 other outlets
- A New Toad Species Emerges from the La Brea Tar Pits nautil.us
- La Brea Tar Pits disgorge rare ice age toad scientificamerican.com
