Alytes – Midwife toads

At first glance, they may not look like much—small, rather plain toads with warty skin, big golden eyes, and squat bodies—but their unique approach to parenting sets them apart from almost every other amphibian. Unlike frogs and toads that lay eggs in water and leave them to develop, male midwife toads are famous for their role as dedicated fathers, carefully guarding and carrying eggs until they are ready to hatch.

Members of Alytes are found in Portugal, Spain, France, and parts of North Africa, depending on the species. They prefer habitats such as meadows, forest edges, rocky hillsides, and rural farmland, often staying close to water sources like streams, ponds, or wells. Despite being toads, they are relatively secretive and nocturnal, spending much of the day hidden under rocks or in burrows. Their large, protruding eyes give them a somewhat “surprised” expression, which, coupled with their tiny size, makes them oddly charming.

The real marvel of Alytes lies in their reproductive behavior. After mating on land, the female lays strings of eggs, which the male then carefully wraps around his hind legs. For the next three to six weeks, he carries them everywhere, keeping them moist by seeking out damp soil or even stepping into shallow water at night. When the embryos are fully developed, he releases them into ponds or streams, where they hatch into tadpoles. This extraordinary behavior—rare among amphibians—ensures higher survival rates for the offspring, as the eggs are protected from many aquatic predators.