Facts on Fire-Bellied Toads

Identification

• Because the dorsal (back) coloration of fire-bellied toads varies between species, the easiest way to identify these amphibians is through their ventral (underside) coloration and markings. These tend to be a vivid shade, ranging from crimson red to lemon yellow and mottled with black. Fire-bellied toads are small (from 1.8 to 3 inches long) and somewhat squat. With the exception of the green Oriental fire-bellied toad (Bombina orientalis), fire-bellied toads have dark, warty dorsal surfaces.

Habitat

• Fire-bellied toads are native to Europe and Asia, stretching from Korea to central Europe and Turkey. Throughout their range, fire-bellied toads can live in a variety of different habitats, from deciduous or mixed coniferous forests to mountain lakes, meadows and river beds. The main requirement for fire-bellied toads is an abundant supply of fresh water, though in some cases they may be found several hundred feet from a water source.

  In captivity, fire-bellied toads should be housed in an enclosure without other species of animals, as their skin secrets a mild toxin when they are provoked.

Behavior

• Fire-bellied toads are diurnal (active during the day) and hibernate either alone or in groups of up to six individuals during fall and winter months, according to the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.

  When threatened, fire-bellied toads demonstrate a reaction known as the "unkenreflex." This behavior involves the toad flipping onto its back and arching itself upwards to display its vivid coloration. This action conveys to predators the toxic nature of the toad.

Diet

• In the wild, adult fire-bellied toads are opportunistic carnivores. They consume a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial insects, mollusks and worms. As tadpoles, fire-bellied toads are herbivorous, eating algae, fungi and aquatic plants.

  Captive fire-bellied toads should be fed a variety of vitamin-fortified insects, including mealworms, crickets, waxworms and fruit flies. Marc Staniszewski of the United Kingdom's Amphibian Information Centre suggests occasionally adding small amounts of lean red meat or raw white fish to the fire-bellied toad's diet.

Health and Longevity

• Part of the reason why fire-bellied toads are so popular as pets is that they are extremely hardy and enjoy a long lifespan. According to PetCo, the most common illnesses found in fire-bellied toads are the result of improper care (exposure to harmful or toxic substances, for example) or nutritional deficits. Fire-bellied toads are extremely long-lived for amphibians, with most species of captive toads living up to 12 or more years in captivity.