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: Alytes species inhabit forested areas as well as open sites near ponds and streams. They are nocturnal terrestrial animals and 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 both genera vocalize and show parental care by attaching fertilized eggs to the back and posterior surfaces of their thighs, thereby protecting them. Eggs develop for about 3 weeks until tadpoles are ready to emerge; then the male returns to a water body to release them into the water. Morphological traits: Alytes are medium-sized frogs with body length about 45-55 mm; Discoglossus are 65-75 mm. Externally they resemble toads, hence the name midwife toads. [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