Pelobates fuscus has a spade (a flat sharp edged bone) on each of its hind feet.

It can dig so fast that it seems to disappear vertically.

The spade-foot spends most of is time underground.

Yet it loses half its body weight during prolonged dry periods.

When it rains, the animal surfaces to top up its water supply.

It drinks and also absorbs the water through the belly.

The belly is covered with thin blood vessels, so that

the frog’s blood stream and body tissues can soak up water directly.