Alytidae (Midwife Toads)

Range: Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean coast of North Africa and Israel, possibly Syria [IMG_1] Genera: 3 Species: 11 Ecology and behavior: Species of Alytes inhabit forested areas as well as open sites near ponds. They are nocturnal terrestrial animals that hide under stones or in their own burrows during the day. Discoglossus species occur mainly on rocky banks of fast-flowing rivers and streams. Males of the genus Alytes vocalize and show parental care by attaching fertilized eggs to the back and posterior surfaces of their thighs, thereby providing protection. Eggs develop for about 3 weeks until the tadpoles are ready to emerge; then the male returns to a water body to release them into the water. Such care is not characteristic of Discoglossus, and the female attaches eggs to the lower surfaces of aquatic plants. Morphological traits: Alytes are medium-sized (body length about 45-55 mm). Externally they resemble toads, which is why they are called midwife toads. Discoglossus are somewhat larger (65-75 mm), with smooth, glossy bodies, and resemble frogs of the genus Rana more closely. They are thought to be one of the earliest groups of anurans, since they still lack a key anuran trait - a mobile tongue. Their tongue is thick and weakly mobile and is not used for prey capture. [IMG_2] Alytes obstetricans obstetricans [IMG_3] Discoglossus scovazzi [IMG_4] Latonia nigriventer Sources: 1. Amphibian Species Lists 2. Amphibian Species of the World 3. Vitt L.J., Caldwell J.P. Herpetology. An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles. Academic Press, 2009. p. 440-441