Pelobates Tadpole

Highly detailed tadpole

Modern day Pelobates Spadefoot Toad

Pelobates Tadpole

Product description

This is an exceptionally rare fossil of the tadpole of the spade back toad, Pelobates. Pelobatidae date from the Eocene to present day, and were rotund toads with short limbs and large eyes, having vertical pupils. They grew up to 10cms in length.
As with the present day spade backs, they were known to burrow rear first into the ground using a spade like boney element attached to the rear foot. Hence the name.
They lived 23.5m to 5.2m years ago, and this specimen was discovered in the Upper Miocene, 10m years old, ancient lake deposits of Libros, Spain.
 
We have only ever had one of these ancient fossils, because few are preserved, due to their soft bodied nature.
This is an exceptional opportunity to own a very special fossil.
 
Matrix Size:    10cms x 8cms
Tadpole:        4.6cms x 1.5cms.