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Glite Dictionary
Alytes obstetricans

Alytes obstetricans

9.9
A small European toad whose male carries fertilized eggs wrapped around his back legs until they hatch
  • noun
  • UK
translation icon : Alytes obstetricans
  • Scientists observed a male Alytes obstetricans carrying eggs on its hind legs in the wild.

Examples

  • The Alytes obstetricans is well known for the male's unusual role in caring for eggs.

  • The Alytes obstetricans is known for its unique reproductive behavior.

  • Habitat loss is threatening populations of Alytes obstetricans in certain parts of Europe.

  • Did you know that the Alytes obstetricans carries its eggs?

  • Scientists observed a male Alytes obstetricans carrying fertilized eggs wrapped around its hind legs.

  • The Alytes obstetricans is known for its male's unique behavior of carrying eggs until they hatch.

  • In the mating season, the male Alytes obstetricans can be seen with eggs attached to its hind legs.

Synonyms

midwife toad
vsAlytes obstetricans
  • UK
1 9.9

A small European toad whose male carries eggs on his back until they hatch

is the specific species rather than the general genus term
obstetrical toad
vsAlytes obstetricans
  • UK
9.9

A small European animal whose male carries fertilized eggs around his hind legs until they hatch

has identical meaning but uses the scientific Latin name

Surface Forms

Alytes obstetricans singular
Alytes obstetricanses plural

Morphology

Alytes + obstetricans

This is a Latin binomial combining the genus Alytes (a toad) with an epithet resembling English 'obstetrician' (midwife); a learner who knew both parts could infer 'midwife toad' and its egg-carrying behavior. However, as a specialized Latin proper name and with the second element not a common B1 lexical item, the meaning is not fully predictable for typical learners, making the transparency only partial.

Etymology

Alytes obstetricans: The Latin name includes obstetricans, which means 'midwife' because the male toad carries fertilized eggs wrapped around his hind legs until they hatch. That's why the species is often called the 'midwife toad' today.