Bumblebee Toad

ANIMAL:
Bumblebee Toad Melanophryniscus stelzneri

Type of Animal:
Toad

Habitat:
Hilly areas, plains near running water, humid areas near still/slow-moving ponds/lakes

Location(s):
Argentina

Appearance:
Black w/ yellow blotching/spotting, bumblebee-like coloration, ambling gait, reddish feet/rump area

Food/Diet:
Insects, insect larvae, worms, isopods

Status in Wild:
Stable

Conservation:
Breeding in zoos, aquariums, & herpetoculture

Lifestyle:
Groups of 4-6 toads

Additional Info:

Called:
Male
Female
Young: Tadpole
Group: Knot

Weight:
Male: 1 oz
Female: 2 oz
 
Gestation:
2-5 days 

Life Span:
10 years

Body Length:
Male: 0.75-1 in
Female: 1.5 in
Young: 0.4 in

Main predators are large frogs & snakes.
 
Sometimes kept as pets.
 
They make bird-like chirps/trills.
 
Coloration may warn predators that they’re poisonous.
 
Active during the day (diurnal).
 
Breeding takes place during/after heavy rains.
 
Females produce hundreds of eggs in single clutch, w/ most surviving to adulthood.
 
Tadpole stage lasts for 2.5-3 weeks, then metamorphosing into toadlet stage, which they’ll stay in until 10-12 months old.
 
These toads are very poor climbers.
 
These are very hardy toads able to handle temps down to 40 F & up to 95 F but prefer temps of around 70.
 
Tadpoles stationary for very 1st days of life while absorbing rest of egg yolk.
 
Gelatinous eggs usually attached to rocks/vegetation in shallow water.
 
These are highly adaptable toads.

Fun Fact(s):
These toads are not shy.
 
Also called Yellow & Black Walking Toads & Bumblebee Walking Toads due to gait.
 
Poisonous in wild but lose toxicity in captivity due to diet. Typically fed nontoxic prey items in captivity.
 
Many toads collected as they cross roads.
 
While they breed easily in the wild, they’re rather difficult to breed in captivity. However, they’re fairly easy to keep.
Bumblebee toad, stock photo

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