What kind of frog is the common midwife toad?

The common midwife toad is a small frog found in forests, meadows, and near water bodies in Europe. They are nocturnal, spending the day hidden under rocks or in burrows and becoming active at night. Their diet mainly consists of insects, spiders, and earthworms. Unlike other frogs, they lack eardrums and cannot hear. Instead, they sense sounds through ground vibrations.

Why do common midwife toads carry their eggs on their backs?

The male common midwife toad carries the eggs on his back to protect them from drying out or being eaten by predators. He carries the eggs for about a month until they hatch. During this time, he visits water bodies to keep the eggs moist and will defend them from predators by puffing up his body, jumping away, or even fighting. When the eggs are ready to hatch, the male goes to a water source and releases the eggs into the water. The tadpoles then live and grow in the water.

What sound do common midwife toads make?

The male common midwife toad emits a beautiful, bell-like call, "pew, pew," to attract females. This call can be heard echoing through the night sky, traveling long distances. Although they are deaf, it is believed they can sense the vibrations of their calls on the surface of their bodies.

Are common midwife toads endangered?

The common midwife toad is facing a decline in population due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change, and is listed as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List. Their habitat in Europe is being lost due to development, and many areas are experiencing environmental degradation, further jeopardizing their survival.

Animal Article

Common Midwife Toad

In the forests and meadows of Europe, the common midwife toad, a small and dedicated father, makes its home. These frogs exhibit a unique parenting behavior where the male carries the eggs on his back. Let's listen to their beautiful songs that echo through the night.