It is possible to find the European fire-bellied toad, a species of fire-bellied toad, close to water sources like ponds and marshes in eastern areas of continental Europe. It is famous for its unusual “whoop” sound, an example of aposematism, and the belly color is red that is used to fend off predators.
Habitat and Geographic Range
Central and Eastern Europe are home to the European fire-bellied toad. More specifically, it extends from eastern Germany to the Russia Volga District, where the Ural Mountains stop it. This frog often prefers to reside in lowland habitats with little to no woody vegetation, such as ponds and marshes. These frogs prefer the edges of larger lakes, which are 50 to 70 centimeters (20 to 28 in) deep, on reed beds and floodplains.
Description and Diet
A medium-sized frog, this toad can reach a height of 5.6 centimeters (2+316 in). The dorsum might be grey, brown, or green in hue, while the stomach is red with heavy black mottling. These frogs have warts all over their backs. The toad will raise its arms in response to a threat, sometimes flipping over to reveal its red colouring and demonstrate its toxicity to any possible predators. This is an illustration of aposematism and is referred to as Unken Reflex.
They eat a variety of minute invertebrates, but springtails, beetles, flies, and ants are among their favorite prey. In exchange, numerous other species such as snakes and birds prey on the frogs, while leeches and fish consume the tadpoles.
Reproduction
Breeding begins after the temperature reaches 16 °C (61 °F), and females often lay eggs depending on their size up to 40 eggs, , at night or in the early morning. Tadpoles are born in about a week and grow for about a month before changing into adult form when they are about 3.8 centimeters (1+12 in) long.
Evolution
Clinal speciation gave rise to the yellow-bellied toad (B. variegata) and the European fire-bellied toad (B. bombina). They are descendants of a long-ago divergence event, yet where their geographic areas meet, they continue to hybridize.
Handling and Keeping as Pet
These toads are very well-liked as pets. Since they have few requirements, keeping them as pets is relatively simple. The European fire-bellied toads, however, as well as every other species in the group of fire-bellied toads, secrete a toxin or poison through their skin. The major purpose of this adaptation is to deter predators in the wild. Humans can also become irritated by it, though. Therefore, it’s best to avoid handling these toads too often. It’s also a good idea to wash your hands immediately after touching these toads while wearing gloves.
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