Scientific Name: Bombina pachypus.
Common Names: Appenine Yellow-bellied Toad.
Distribution: Italy.
Size: 3-5cm.
Sexing: The males of this species can be heard calling, this is the most reliable way of sexing. The males also have nuptial pads on the fore-limb however these pads are difficult to spot.
Colouration: The dorsum is grey-brown with irregular back markings. The ventral surface is yellow-orange with irregular blue-grey-black markings and numerous small white specks.
Requirements: These small toads live best as part of a group, the minimum recommended terrarium size for 4 adult toads would be 24x12x12" (l,w,h). These toads are found in woodland & grasslands where they breed in ponds, pools and ditches, this must be replicated in the terrarium set-up. Suitable substrates include coco-humus, sedge peat, sterile topsoil, composted bark, leaf litter, bark chip, and moss. Furnishings such as cork bark, rock, and wood as well as a number of fake or real leafy plants should be arranged to provide a number of hiding opportunities. A large water bowl should be provided at all times with clean de-chlorinated or spring water. The terrarium should not require additional heating as long as it is kept in a frost free area where temperatures drop no lower than 4-6°C during the winter and no higher than 25-26°C during the summer. Humidity levels should be around 60-70% daytime with a slight raise at night. UVB lighting of 2-5% may be provided for a 12-14hr period during the day.
Maintenance: Water will need changing daily to avoid the build up of ammonia and bacteria. Whilst changing the water it is a good idea to spot clean the tank and remove, clean, and replace any soiled items. At least once a month the entire terrarium and it's contents should be striped, cleaned, and sterilized using an amphibian friendly disinfectant.
Feeding: For adults a mixture of suitably sized insects including crickets, roaches, mealworms, flies, waxworm, earthworm, caterpillars and moths should be fed every two-three days with a calcium and vitamin supplement used once a week. Young toads will take whiteworm, bloodworm, crickets, aphids and fruitflies, these should be fed every day and a calcium and vitamin supplement used three times a week.
