The Couch's spadefoot toad, so-called because of the digging appendages on the hind feet, is one of several species of desert toads. It lives in a burrow for most of the year, emerging at night to feed on insects. If it rains the toad goes to the nearest pool, where males and females mate and the eggs are laid. The tadpoles then develop rapidly and by the time the waters have dried up have become mature adults, ready for burrowing.