Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Discoglossidae
Genus: Alytes

Reproduction

Midwife toads characteristic behaviour is their extraordinary parental care, as described in David Attenborough's Natural Curiosities. The males will carry a string of fertilised eggs wrapped around their hind legs. Having kept them out of harms way, the male will find some shallow water so that the tadpoles can leave the safety of their eggs and the protection of their father.

Quick Facts

• Midwife toads can be found in most of Europe and north-western Africa.
  
• The common midwife toad can also be found in the UK where it has been introduced.
  
• Midwife toads are hardy creatures and can be found in snow in the Pyrenees.
  
• Midwife toads are actually frogs!