DUE TO STATE LAW, THIS SPECIES CANNOT BE SHIPPED TO OREGON.

Defining Characteristics: 

• Great beginner toad
• Grey-brown coloration with a bright yellow underbelly
• Flighty
• Light "hooting" call
• Small size
• Can be housed in groups

Name: Bombina variegata, commonly called the Yellow-Bellied Toad or Yellow Fire-Bellied Toad. 

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: Like other species in the Bombina genus, Yellow-Bellied Toads appreciate a semi-aquatic set up. This can be accomplished with Josh's Frogs Pond Wall Substrate Stop, false bottom, and various other earthy substrates. A tank that has less height than width is better for this species as they will spend most of their time on the ground or in the water. A terrarium 12 inches tall with a base of at least 18x18 inches should be sufficient.

An alternative to this setup is a bit more simplistic with turtle pebbles piled higher than the water level on one side of the tank to provide a place for food, and for the toads to get out of the water.

Temperature (°F): They are a temperate species from Europe and therefore experience a wide range of temperatures in the wild. In captivity, however, temperatures should be in the low to mid 70s. 

Humidity: Yellow-Bellied Toads should be kept at about 50-70% humidity, which should be easy to maintain with the amount of water these toads usually require in their environment. 

Size: At the time of sale, Yellow-Bellied Toads will be at least 3/4 of an inch long and eating 1/4 inch crickets. As adults these toads can range from 1-2 inches long.

Age: These toads are at least 8 weeks old at time of sale. They can live for over 20 years in captivity.

Feeding: When they first metamorphose, yellow-bellied toads can eat 1/8 inch crickets. They grow quickly and by the time they are for sale, they'll be eating 1/4 inch crickets, which they will eat their entire lives. Other feeders can be substituted in such as small roaches, waxworms (occasionally), and black soldier fly larvae.

Sexing: Female yellow-bellied toads are typically larger and more rotund than males and when environmental conditions are met, males will vocalize. Due to their age, yellow-bellied toads sold by Josh's Frogs are sold as unsexed animals.

Color/Pattern: Yellow-bellied toads are a bumpy texture along their backs and a grey-brown color. Their underbelly is typically more than 50% bright yellow with grey-brown mottling. 

Social Behavior: These toads do well in groups but may get a little aggressive during feeding time. Because of this they should always be of similar size if being housed communally, as most amphibians will cannibalize if the opportunity arises.

In the wild, hibernation begins in early fall and lasts until mid spring depending on elevation. 

Breeding: Breeding occurs soon after hibernation ends and can extend into summer. Males will amplex females after emitting advertisement calls. Amplexus is pelvic. Females lay on average 70 eggs attached to vegetation in the water. Tadpoles develop quickly over the course of 3-4 weeks.

Natural Range: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macedonia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of, Moldova, Republic of, Montenegro, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Ukraine

History in the Hobby: This species is often kept in Europe, but is uncommon/rare in private collections over the rest of the world. 

Links of Interest:

• Bombina variegata - Amphibiaweb
• Bombina variegata - Wikipedia

Still not sure if the Yellow-Bellied Toads from Josh's Frogs is the right pet for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!