Bombina

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The following article is from The Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1979). It might be outdated or ideologically biased.

Bombina

a genus of tailless amphibians (Salientia) of the family Discoglossidae. The back is brownish gray in color; there are well-defined black and red (or yellow) spots on the underside. The genus comprises four species: (1) the common fire-bellied toad (B. bombina), which is widely distributed in Europe and in the north as far as 58° N lat. and prefers the plains regions; (2) the B. variegata, which is found in Europe and in the east as far as Transcarpathia and Moldavia and prefers uplands; (3) the B. orientalis, which lives in the Far East, Korea, and North China; and (4) the B. maxima, which is found in the mountains of Yunnan (China). The body of the first three species measures up to 52 mm long and that of the fourth species, up to 68 mm long. The Bombina spends most of the day in water, emerging on land only at twilight. If it somehow is caught on land, it arches its legs over its back (unken reflex) showing the bright color of the underside (warning color). When irritated, the Bombina skin secretes a poisonous foamy substance.

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References in periodicals archive ?

Here we report a detailed study of genotype frequencies across a transect of the hybrid zone between the fire-bellied toads Bombina bombina and B.

Hybridisation between the fire-bellied toads Bombina bombina and B.

Habitat preference in the Bombina hybrid zone in Croatia

Regional differentiation and hybrid zones between the fire-bellied toads Bombina bombina (L.) and B.

Genetic analysis of a hybrid zone between the fire-bellied toads, Bombina bombina and Bombina variegata, near Cracow in Southern Poland.

Natural selection on quantitative traits in the Bombina hybrid zone

Fire-bellied toads from Denmark, Germany, Latvia and Sweden will croak it out for the coveted prize, won last time by Sweden "in the glorious tradition of ABBA," says the nature protection society in Schleswig-Holstein state.

Toads compete in singing contest

The broad array includes American bullfrogs and tadpoles, African bullfrogs, Vietnamese mossy frogs, smooth-sided toads, Chinese gliding frogs, African clawed frogs, Budgett's frogs, ornate-homed frogs, golden mantella frogs, fire-bellied toads, Mexican dumpy frogs, waxy monkey frogs, smokey jungle frogs, and dyeing poison frogs.

Frogs: A Chorus of Colors: this is "a fascinating and fun exhibition that explores the incredible diversity of this important group of amphibians which has been roaming the Earth for more than 200,000,000 years, at least as long as the dinosaurs."

Dare you visit the tropical lair of tarantulas, scorpions and fire-bellied toads? In pets' corner, you can meet the rabbits and guinea pigs.

Animal attractions are amazing; Out and about Advertising Feature

Gus, an unemployed long distance lorry driver, has kept fire-bellied toads for about two years.

TOAD-ALLY CRAZY; Amphibians owner drives 1,000 miles to get WORMS

On top of this there are tarantulas, scorpions, fire-bellied toads, plus more cuddly animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs.

Entertain the kids, come rain or shine

We've looked after every breed of cat and dog, as well as donkeys - including a pregnant donkey that lived by the Aga - turkeys, 20 Yorkies, horses, a tortoise aged 160, 60 mice that lived in a doll's house, whippets that had to be zipped into sleeping- bags at night and lie next to you on the pillow, reptiles and fire-bellied toads.

Home and away winners; Want to do your own thing and work for yourself but don't want to be stuck in your own home? YVONNE SWANN finds out how to be clever and earn money out of other people's houses

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