Redbelly Toad

Melanophryniscus stelzneri, commonly known as the redbelly toad, bumble bee toad or yellow and black walking toad, is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae which is endemic to Argentina. It is present in the pet trade.

Etymology: The specific name stelzneri honors Alfred Wilhelm Stelzner, a German geologist who spent some time in Argentina.

Taxonomy and subspecies: Melanophryniscus stelzneri was originally described in 1875. Currently two subspecies are recognized: Melanophryniscus stelzneri stelzneri and Melanophryniscus stelzneri spegazzinii Gallardo, 1961. Other former subspecies are now considered full species, namely Melanophryniscus dorsalis and Melanophryniscus fulvoguttatus.

 Melanophryniscus stelzneri grows to about , with females typically being larger than males.

Distribution andhabitat: They were first discovered in Córdoba, Argentina. They are currently known from the Córdoba, San Luis, and Salta Provinces of Argentina. Their range may also extend into Bolivia. They occur in grasslands with rocky outcrops. Reproduction takes place in shallow ponds, streams, bogs, and even roadside ditches.

Diet and toxicity: Melanophryniscus are toxic in the wild. Their natural diet is made up of mites and ants. It is believed that the toxins are created from alkaloids found in their natural diet. The brightly colored pattern is an example of aposematism. In captivity, they become non-toxic.