Alytes cisternasii Boscá, 1879

Common Name and Size

Alytes cisternasii, commonly called the Iberian midwife toad, reaches an adult length of approximately 40 mm (1.6 in), with males typically smaller than females.

Head Features

It has a rounded snout and large eyes with vertical slit pupils. Tiny, often orange, warts develop on its upper eyelids.

Gland and Ear Structure

Its parotoid glands are relatively small, and the tympani (eardrums) are clearly distinct.

Body Tubercles and Warts

The body is covered in many tubercles, with concentrated clusters of glandular warts under the arms, in the groin, and on the ankles.

Limb Characteristics

Its limbs are fairly short.

Dorsal Coloration

The upper surface is brownish-grey with dark spots, and the warts are often reddish.

Ventral Coloration

The unspotted underparts are greyish-white.

Native Range and Altitude

This toad is native to Portugal and western Spain, where it occurs at altitudes up to 1,300 m (4,300 ft) above sea level.

Preferred Habitats

Its preferred habitats are Mediterranean-type scrub, rough grazing land, and open light oak woodland.