Native to parts of central and eastern Europe, these toads prefer shallow water bodies in forests, meadows, and marshlands, where their distinctive calls can be heard during the breeding season. Their most notable feature is their underside, which boasts a vivid pattern of bright red or orange mixed with black, warning potential predators about their toxic nature. The top side of these toads is usually a darker shade of green or brown with black spots, providing excellent camouflage against the forest floor and waterside vegetation, where they like to spend their time.
During the breeding season, which occurs from late spring to early summer, male toads call to attract females with a distinctive sound that has been described as a dog-like bark. They gather in ponds and slow-moving streams, where the females lay their eggs. The eggs are attached to aquatic plants and hatch into tadpoles, which are fully aquatic. These tadpoles later undergo metamorphosis, transitioning from water-breathing creatures to air-breathing adults, a fascinating process that involves significant changes in their anatomy and lifestyle.
One of the most interesting behaviors exhibited by the European fire-bellied toad is the “unken reflex.” When threatened, these toads arch their bodies to expose their brightly colored bellies, enhancing the visual impact of their warning colors to deter predators. This defensive posture is not only effective but also makes for a remarkable sight, highlighting the unique adaptations these toads have developed to survive in the wild.
Distribution
Austria
Belarus
Bosnia And Herz.
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czechia
Denmark
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Kazakhstan
Latvia
Lithuania
Moldova
Poland
Romania
Russia
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Sweden
Turkey
Ukraine
United KingdomAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
