Bombina orientalis is semi-aquatic. It spends most of its time on land. The species usually lives in mixed coniferous/broad-leaved forests; however, it often occurs in other habitats, including spruce, pine or leafed forests, open meadows, river valleys, swampy bushlands, etc. Bombina orientalis inhabits different types of bodies of water with stagnant (sometimes running) water: lakes, ponds, swamps, streams, springs, ditches, puddles, etc. At the end of summer, the species can be found on land at distances up to few hundred meters from water (Kuzmin et al. 2004; AmphibiaWeb, 2012). This toad hibernates from late September/October to late April/May, usually on land in rotten trees, heaps of stones, leaves, and in groups of 1–6 individuals. Sometimes hibernation occurs in streams. Reproduction occurs from May to mid-August. The clutch contains 38–257 eggs deposited in portions of 3–45 eggs that the female attaches to plants near the water’s edge. The interval between depositing subsequent portions is 7–10 days. Females probably are capable of depositing multiple clutches. Embryonic and larval development takes about 2 months, and hatching takes place usually from early June to late July. Tadpoles complete metamorphosis usually by the end of August/late September. Maximum longevity is estimated as 20 years (Harkewicz, 2004; AmphibiaWeb, 2012).
Larvae consume detritus, various algae, fungi, higher plants, protozoans, and, in smaller amounts, aquatic invertebrates. Preying upon terrestrial invertebrates starts before the completion of metamorphosis. Adult food consists of terrestrial invertebrates including worms, mollusks, and insects.
The proportion of aquatic invertebrates consumed varies among populations (Harkewicz, 2004; AmphibiaWeb, 2012). Some predatory birds and mammals are known as natural enemies of this species. The defensive posture of adult individuals is similar to that of the European Fire-bellied Toad (B. bombina) (AmphibiaWeb, 2012).
