European Fire-bellied Toad (Bombina bombina) in natural habitat
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European Fire-bellied Toad

Scientific Name: Bombina bombina
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IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

The European Fire-bellied Toad (Bombina bombina) is cataloged as Least Concern on the official IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

⚡ Key Facts & Quick Answers (AEO Summary)

  • Taxonomic Class: Amphibians (Amphibia)
  • Dietary Niche: Insectivore (Water beetles, flies, worms, larvae)
  • Max Speed: 3 km/h (1.9 mph)
  • Adult Weight: 5 - 10 grams
  • Typical Lifespan: 10 - 12 years
  • Primary Habitat: Ponds, marshes, flooded meadows, quarry pools
  • Native Region: Central and Eastern Europe
  • IUCN Red List: Least Concern

📊 Physical & Biological Metrics

Class
Amphibians (Amphibia)
Diet Type
Insectivore (Water beetles, flies, worms, larvae)
Habitat
Ponds, marshes, flooded meadows, quarry pools
Lifespan
10 - 12 years
Adult Weight
5 - 10 grams
Top Speed
3 km/h (1.9 mph)
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Geographic Range & Distribution
Central and Eastern Europe
Native Biome: Ponds, marshes, flooded meadows, quarry pools

🧬 Scientific Taxonomy & Biological Classification

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Amphibia
Order Anura
Family Bombinatoridae
Genus Bombina
Species Binomial Bombina bombina

📖 1. Species Overview

The European Fire-bellied Toad is a small aquatic amphibian famous for its bright orange-red warning belly. When threatened, they arch their back to display their bright underside (unkenreflex).

🦿 2. Physical Appearance, Anatomy & Adaptations

Dark bumpy grey-green back skin, bright red or orange belly covered in black spots, and heart-shaped pupils.

🗺️ 3. Habitat, Geographic Distribution & Territorial Range

Semi-aquatic. They float on pond surfaces, making soft WHOOP-WHOOP calls.

🥩 4. Diet, Feeding Strategy & Hunting Tactics

Catch water insects and flies along pond margins.

🐣 5. Reproduction, Lifecycle & Social Hierarchy

Females lay small jelly clumps of 10-30 eggs attached to water weeds.

🛡️ 6. Conservation Status, Population Threats & Protection

Least Concern, though threatened locally by wetland drainage.

💡 Fascinating Facts & Trivia

  • They have unique heart-shaped pupils in their eyes.
  • When attacked, they flip onto their back to reveal their fiery red belly, warning predators of their toxic skin mucus.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Direct authoritative answers regarding the biology, feeding habits, and habitat of the European Fire-bellied Toad.

What is the scientific taxonomy of the European Fire-bellied Toad? ▼

The European Fire-bellied Toad is scientifically classified as Bombina bombina. It belongs to the genus Bombina within the family Bombinatoridae, class Amphibia, and phylum Chordata.

Where does the European Fire-bellied Toad live in the wild? ▼

In the wild, European Fire-bellied Toads inhabit Ponds, marshes, flooded meadows, quarry pools. Their native geographic range primarily spans Central and Eastern Europe.

What do European Fire-bellied Toads eat in their natural habitat? ▼

The European Fire-bellied Toad is classified as a Insectivore. It feeds primarily on specialized nutrients suited to its ecological niche in Ponds, marshes, flooded meadows, quarry pools.

How fast can a European Fire-bellied Toad move, and what is its typical size? ▼

A European Fire-bellied Toad can achieve top speeds of 3 km/h (1.9 mph) and weighs approximately 5 - 10 grams. Its expected natural lifespan is 10 - 12 years.

What is the IUCN conservation status of the European Fire-bellied Toad? ▼

The European Fire-bellied Toad (Bombina bombina) is currently designated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Cite this Article

FaunaWiki Zoological Database (2026). "European Fire-bellied Toad (Bombina bombina) Species Profile."

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