The Backyard Zoo

by Jim Dunlap

"Firebellied Toad"

I sit here gazing at one of the true marvels of the natural world cloaked in stunning aposematic integument. He perches half on, half off a large leaf that dips into the water on an aquarium floor. The skewed perspective adds a precarious off balance effect. Brilliant splashes of red peek from beneath his leg, highlighting somber shades of black, bordered with intense green, all contributing to an aura of stony stillness. The occasional leaf tip entering the scene from one side, or the water dancing like tiny mirrors, and layered patterns in the colorful aquarium gravel, create suspense moving the mundane toward the surreal. Somebody stop me!

We are talking toad here. We now have six Oriental Firebellied Toads. All were purchased as pets and lost their fascination then were required to find a new place to live. The main feature of this three-inch long toad is the fact that his tongue cannot be extended like other toads or frogs. To feed, he must leap forward and catch his prey with his mouth. When the insect or worm is grabbed, he uses his forearms to stuff the food in. It's like watching me eat a burrito. The bright colors are a warning to predators that he is poisonous. This poison is in the form of skin secretions that cover his body. If threatened, he will arch his back and lift his arms and legs to show off the colors.

This toad prefers more water and humidity than do most toads, and will spend most of his time sitting on and among floating plants. He is not a pet for people who bore easily. The poison might give you a rash and if the habitat is properly set up he is hardly ever seen.

Oh yes, the phrase "aposematic integument" simply means: warning colors of skin; I looked it up. I didn't want to disrupt the tone this tome of bovine profusion. Ha!

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