Care Sheet SCIENCE MATERIALS CENTER s1

Care Sheet SCIENCE MATERIALS CENTER Region XIII Education Service Center 5701 Springdale Road, Austin, TX 78723 (512) 919-5351 [email protected]

Fire-bellied Toad

The Fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina) ranges from Eastern Europe to Western Asia in semi-aquatic habitats. The mottled green toad has a blazing orange belly, but does not secrete dangerous toxins normally associated with warning coloration. Fire- bellied toads grow to about 2 inches long, and survive well in captivity, staying active during the day for good classroom observations. This fire-bellied toad was sent to you as a substitute for either a clawed frog, toad or tree frog.

HOUSING: These toads spend a large portion of their time in shallow water. Place the cage out of direct sunlight and maintain a temperature of about 70ºF.

WATER: The water level in the cage should remain fairly shallow, so that when the gravel is sloped at an angle, the toad may be out of the water on the high end of the gravel or in the water at low end. The water in the cage should be cleaned once a week or more often if the water becomes cloudy. Change the water by draining out the old water through the vents in the top of the cage. Replace it with freshly treated water. You may use an aquarium water conditioner to treat the water. If you do not have any water conditioner, draw the water the night before you intend to clean out the cage. Let the water sit overnight in a bucket to allow chlorine to evaporate out. Then use this aged tap water to refill the cage.

FOOD: Live crickets are supplied by the SMC. You may also supplement the toad’s diet with insects caught from pesticide-free areas. Feed 2-3 crickets every other day. Be sure to remove any dead insects that were not eaten, to prevent them from decaying and fouling the water.

 Anyone who handles the animal or its caging must wash their hands with soap and water.  Students should only work with the animal when supervised by an adult.