
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Bombina variegata
A small European fire-bellied toad under 6 cm. The back is grey-brown but the underside is black with vivid yellow-orange blotches, which it displays by arching its body when threatened. Semi-aquatic and hardy.
Bombina variegata is a small bombinatorid of western Europe extending into parts of eastern Europe. The back is grey-brown with washed-out pale spots, while the underside and inner limbs are grey- to black-blue with bright yellow to orange blotches covering more than half the surface. Threatened animals arch the body and limbs to display that warning colour and secrete toxins from the dorsal warts. It lives around streams and ponds in grassland and woodland, tolerating water of poor quality, and hibernates in a burrow from autumn. Where its range overlaps that of Bombina bombina the two hybridise.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Yellow-Bellied Toad lives 8-12 years.
The Yellow-Bellied Toad grows to 2.8-5.6cm.
It measures 2.8-5.6 cm and weighs 2.3-12 g, making it one of the smaller members of its family.
The ideal temperature for the Yellow-Bellied Toad is 21〜24℃. Ideal humidity is 50〜70%.
In captivity aim for 21-24 C and 50-70% humidity with a generous water area; animals have lived over 20 years.
Origin
Mainly western Europe, from southern Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy east to the Balkans, western Ukraine and Romania
Sources: Josh's Frogs: Bombina variegata / Wikipedia (English) / Wikipedia (Japanese)
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Bombina variegata (Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms: Bombina salsa (Schrank & Moll, 1785), Bombina variegata scabra (Küster, 1843), Bombinator pachypus Bonaparte, 1838
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Lifespan
8-12 years
Size
2.8-5.6cm
Temperature
21〜24℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Crickets, earthworms and other insects
Aim for 21-24 C in captivity. It is a European temperate species that meets a wide range of temperatures in the wild, but captive conditions should be stable. Humidity 50-70%.
Semi-aquatic, so devote much of the enclosure to water: a shallow pool plus a land area it can climb onto, with hides. Secure the lid, as it escapes readily.
Newly metamorphosed toads take about 3 mm crickets, and 6 mm crickets serve for the rest of their lives. Small roaches and the occasional waxworm work too.
Diurnal and peaceable; animals of similar size can share an enclosure. They dive for the water when startled.
It secretes toxins through the skin, so always wash your hands afterwards. Never release it outdoors in Japan.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Yellow-Bellied Toad is 21〜24℃. Recommended humidity is 50〜70%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Yellow-Bellied Toad is 8-12 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Yellow-Bellied Toad typically reaches 2.8-5.6cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Yellow-Bellied Toad feeds on: Crickets, earthworms and other insects. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Yellow-Bellied Toad varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026