Class: Amphibia

Order: Anura

Scientific Name: Bombina orientas

Range: Native to Southeastern Siberia, Northeastern China and Korea

Habitat: Mountain lakes, streams and ponds between 1,700 and 3,000 meters above sea level

Diet: Wild: Small insects, worms and mollusks
Zoo: Insectivorous diet

Gestation: Tadpoles hatch within 3-6 days; Larval stage is approximately one month

Litter: Clutch size: 38-250 eggs in portions of 3-45 eggs

Life Span: Up to 20 years

Description: Dull brown gray to bright green back dotted with black spots and covered with rough warts or tubercles. The smooth belly is red or orange-red. It has a small round head and large eyes with triangular pupils. Males are distinguished from females by their generally rougher back and thicker forearms. They reach a maximum of about 2 inches.

Behavior: It is aquatic throughout spring and summer, then buries itself in soft ground for winter. They live in a variety of landscapes. This toad hibernates from late September/October to late April/May.

Reproduction: Occurs between May and October. Breeding pairs are formed randomly, with long reproductive periods because females deposit eggs at different times. Eggs hatch usually between early June to late July, with complete metamorphosis done by the end of August or late September.

Did You Know?

• When threatened, the oriental fire-bellied toad assumes the 'unken reflex' position, that is, it arches its back and limbs and may turn over on its back to expose its bright belly. 'Unken' is the German name for fire-bellied toads.
• Contrary to popular belief, humans do not get warts from handling frogs and toads! Humans get warts from human viruses.
• Frogs and toads do have various glands, which secrete poisons for protection and these secretions may be poisonous to some animal species.
• Proper care of this common pet store frog may be more difficult than you anticipated. Always research your potential pets' needs before bringing them home.