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Common Midwife Toad

Alytes obstetricans

The Common Midwife Toad is a small, unique toad that carries its eggs on its back! They love to live near water and are great at hopping around.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Common Midwife Toad is a small, stout amphibian with rough, warty skin that ranges in color from greyish-brown to olive green, often marked with darker spots. It has large, prominent eyes with golden irises and striking vertical pupils, making it visually distinct from many other toads.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderAnuraFamilyAlytidaeGenusAlytes
Common Midwife Toad
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Common Midwife Toad

Category

Amphibians

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

2

Interesting facts

Its whistle-like call is so clear, it sounds like a tiny flute!

Midwife toad tadpoles can take over a year to grow up!

They spend most of their day hiding in burrows they dig themselves.

Unlike most frogs, they dislike big ponds and prefer damp soil.

Special abilities

Ability

Dedicated Dad

Common Midwife Toad has the male carry eggs on his hind legs because this protects them from predators and drying out.

Ability

Night Vision Ninja

Common Midwife Toad has vertical pupils that help them see better in low light, making them excellent nocturnal hunters.

Ability

Defense Goo

Common Midwife Toad can secrete a mild toxin from its skin because it deters predators from trying to eat them.

Measurements & details

Length
3.5-5.5 cm
Weight
0.005-0.015 kg
Lifespan
5-9 years
Top Speed
0.5 km/h
Clutch Size
20-70
Metamorphosis
150-400 days

Watch

Diet & Feeding

This toad mostly munches on small creepy-crawlies it finds while hopping around at night.

Age differences: Tadpoles are herbivorous, feeding on algae and plant matter, while adults are strictly insectivorous.

Primary Foods

  • ants
  • spiders
  • beetles
  • slugs
  • woodlice
  • earwigs

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Midwife Toad

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch toads from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Common Midwife Toad?

3.5-5.5 cm

How much does Common Midwife Toad weigh?

0.005-0.015 kg

How long does Common Midwife Toad live?

5-9 years

How fast can Common Midwife Toad move?

0.5 km/h

What does Common Midwife Toad eat?

This toad mostly munches on small creepy-crawlies it finds while hopping around at night.

Where is Common Midwife Toad usually found?

Wetlands

How does Common Midwife Toad hunt?

Ambush

How many eggs does Common Midwife Toad lay?

20-70

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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