This is a robust and globose amphibian characterized by a broad, short head with a conspicuously rounded snout. This medium-sized anuran reaches adult snout-vent lengths ranging from 1.77 to 2.95 inches (45 to 75 millimeters), with females typically exhibiting larger dimensions than males. Its skin is highly glandular and warty, covered with conspicuous pustules that secrete defensive toxins. The dorsal coloration is highly polymorphic, displaying shades of brown, grey, or yellowish-brown decorated with dark, symmetrical, irregularly shaped patches, which are often bisected by a distinct light cream or yellow mid-dorsal stripe. The eyes are large and protruding, with horizontal pupils and coppery-colored irises. On its hind limbs, it possesses a highly developed, keratinized, and black spade-like inner metatarsal tubercle, which is specialized for burrowing. A highly remarkable evolutionary feature of this taxon is its tetraploid genome ($4n = 44$ chromosomes), making it a significant subject for cytogenetic and evolutionary research.

Geographical distribution: It is widely distributed across the southern cone of South America. Its range encompasses central and northern Argentina (extending south to northern Patagonia), southern Brazil (including the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Paraná), throughout Uruguay, and across central-southern Paraguay. It occurs from sea level up to elevations of approximately 6,500 feet (2,000 meters) in the mountainous regions of central Argentina.

Habitat: This species primarily inhabits open biomes, including temperate grasslands, semi-arid savannas, shrubby steppes, agricultural fields, and cattle pastures. It exhibits substantial ecological plasticity, successfully colonizing human-altered landscapes as long as loose, sandy soils are present to allow for burrowing, alongside temporary water bodies required for its aquatic developmental stages.

Feeding: Its diet is strictly carnivorous, operating as an opportunistic "sit-and-wait" predator. It feeds on a diverse array of terrestrial invertebrates, with a preference for beetles (Coleoptera), ants (Formicidae), spiders, millipedes, grasshoppers, and various insect larvae, as well as earthworms. Its sticky, protrusible tongue is highly efficient at capturing active prey.

Behavior: It exhibits highly fossorial and nocturnal habits. To escape dry spells and cold winter temperatures, it burrows backwards into the soil using its specialized metatarsal tubercle, remaining underground for extended periods. It emerges to the surface mainly at night or during twilight, particularly following heavy seasonal rains that saturate the substrate. Its locomotion consists of short, deliberate hops rather than long leaps, relying heavily on its camouflage to avoid detection.

Reproduction: This species is an explosive breeder, synchronizing its reproductive activity with the onset of heavy spring and summer rains. Males congregate in temporary ponds, flooded grasslands, and roadside ditches to produce a deep, repetitive advertisement call that attracts females. Mating occurs via axillary amplexus. Females lay thousands of small, pigmented eggs enclosed in gelatinous masses that adhere to submerged vegetation or settle onto the muddy bottom. Larval development is remarkably rapid, an essential adaptation designed to ensure metamorphosis before temporary aquatic habitats dry up.

Conservation status: It is currently listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to its vast geographical range and stable overall populations. Nevertheless, local populations frequently face threats from habitat degradation driven by intensive agriculture, water pollution from pesticide runoff, and urbanization.