Flashers

Part of the Frogs: A Chorus of Colors exhibition.

Fire-bellied toads use skin color for protection. The skin on the toad's back is green and black, providing camouflage from above. When disturbed, the toad throws its legs into the air, revealing a bright orange "fire belly." If flashing these bright colors doesn't scare the predator, the toad has toxic skin secretions that make it an unpalatable meal.

Fire-bellied Toad

Bombina orientalis

Class: Amphibia
Family: Discoglossidae
Size: 2 inches
Food: Insects, worms, snails
Range: Korea, northeastern China, and southeastern Russia
Habitat: Ponds, lakes, ditches, and rice paddies
Life Cycle: Eggs are attached to rocks and plants. Within three weeks free-swimming tadpoles appear.