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

Defining Characteristics: 

• Great Beginner Frog
• Grey-brown Coloration with a bright yellow coloring on the underbelly
• Flighty
• Light hooting call
• Small Size
• Can be Housed in Groups

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

Recommended Enclosure Size: 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 and a false bottom and various other earthy substrates. An alternative to this set up 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 the toads to get out of the water. Something 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. Any of exo terra's Low (12" tall) tanks that have a base of at least 18"x18" should be sufficient.

Note on lighting: Albino frogs and toads have a tendency to develop eye issues if they are exposed to bright lights all of the time. Low lighting is recommended for this toad.

Temperature: 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: When sold, Yellow Bellied Toads will be at least 3/4" and eating 1/4" crickets. As adults these toads can range from 1-2" 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" crickets but grow quickly and by the time they are for sale, can eat 1/4" crickets which they will eat their entire lives. Other feeders can be substituted, 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 have a bumpy texture along their backs and are a grey-brown color. Their underbelly is typically more than 50% bright yellow with grey-brown mottling. These specific toads are albino, so all of the green and brown pigment is instead yellow and the eyes have the classic albino pink coloration.

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, as most frogs 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

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