Developing rapidly helps Great Basin spadefoots avoid desiccation and consequent death in their arid environment. Tadpole development and metamorphosis is complete within 4 to 8 weeks, depending upon temperature, food quality, and food quantity. Hindlegs of tadpoles in the aquarium developed by 18 days of age, and forelimbs developed by 31 days. Rate of tadpole development may vary with breeding pool type. Consequently, they are highly susceptible to desiccation and seek shade cover immediately after emerging from breeding pools.
Young spadefoots grow rapidly.
Spadefoots accumulate fat rapidly in summer. Spadefoots extend their dormancy period during drought, and can apparently remain dormant or mostly dormant for long periods of time. Fat reserves are metabolized slowly during dormancy, and females may reabsorb their eggs if spring rains do not occur. Great Basin spadefoots occupy cold desert and arid grassland habitats at low to high elevations. Morph and adult Great Basin spadefoots live in burrows.