The Oriental fire-bellied toad (Bombina orientalis) is one of the most colorful amphibians in Northeast Asia, yet it is tiny, only 4 to 5 cm long (1.5-2 in) and weighing about 30-50 g (1-2 oz). Its common name is misleading because it is not a true toad but a frog in the family Bombinatoridae. Found in Korea, northeastern China, and parts of Russia, it has a mossy-green back patterned with black, which helps it vanish against ponds and forest floors. But on its underside, it hides a surprise: a belly splashed with vivid red-orange and black spots.

Those belly colors are a classic case of aposematic coloration, warning signals in nature that say “I’m toxic, don’t eat me.” Predators often associate bright reds and oranges with danger and hesitate to attack. The fire-bellied toad does not display its warning constantly. Its green back keeps it camouflaged most of the time, but when threatened, it flips or arches to flash its belly like a warning sign. In this way, it combines camouflage with defense in one body.