How a fire-bellied toad pretending to be dead?

Leaf litter frogs of southern Brazil play dead by turning belly-up, shutting their eyes, and throwing back their arms and legs. The frogs stay in their exaggerated death pose for about two minutes.

Fire-bellied toads from Asia and Europe also fake death in dramatic fashion. They arch their backs and contort their limbs to display yellow or orange markings on the soles of their feet. They also flip onto their backs to show similar streaks on their stomachs. It’s a warning to stay away because they are toxic.

It’s thought that the lack of movement caused by thanatosis may focus a predator’s attention on such warning markings, or on foul-smelling odors.

 

Picture Credit : Google