There are 12 species in this family of frogs and toads. They are found in Western Europe and North Africa. They spend the day in underground burrows and come out at night.

Midwife toads and painted frogs have rounded tongues and are sometimes known as disc-tongued frogs. Most frog and toad species have long, slender tongues.

The male midwife toad attaches fertilized eggs to his legs and back and carries them around for up to a month. He has to keep the eggs moist, so access to water is important.

Midwife toads have warts on their backs that produce a venomous toxin that can kill predators like snakes.