A New Toad Species Emerges from the La Brea Tar Pits

A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology has revealed a new species of toad, Spea labreae sp., from the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles. This discovery marks the first extinct amphibian species found at the tar pits. The fossilized toad, estimated to be about 7 percent larger than its modern spadefoot counterparts, was initially mistaken for deformed specimens due to its unusual preservation.

Paleontologists, led by Alberto Cruz, conducted extensive comparisons with living spadefoot toad specimens before confirming its distinct features. The La Brea Tar Pits, a dense trap of petroleum called "bitumen," have yielded an extensive record of Pleistocene life, including 19 extinct mammals and 16 extinct birds. This exceptional find highlights the importance of thorough sediment analysis and the potential for valuable discoveries within existing collections.