Every monsoon, these toads turn bright yellow for love; scientists say it’s nature’s dating app filter

When the first drops of monsoon rain hit the ground across India and Southeast Asia, nature stages one of its most curious love stories — a transformation so vivid it’s almost magical.

Each year, the male Asian common toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) undergoes a stunning makeover, switching from a dull brown to a brilliant lemon-yellow hue — all in the name of love. It’s not a slow change, either. In just a few minutes, their skin takes on a golden glow as they prepare for one of the most frenzied courtship events in the animal world.

For years, scientists observed this phenomenon but couldn’t quite explain what triggered it. Now, new research has finally cracked the code: the dramatic color shift is driven by a surge of hormones, specifically androgens, which peak during the breeding season. These hormones signal the toads’ skin cells to rapidly alter pigmentation — a natural “mating call” that helps them stand out to potential partners.

While the females keep their usual earthy tones, the males’ sudden transformation acts like nature’s version of a dating app filter — designed to attract attention fast during the short, rain-fueled breeding window. Once the season ends, the bright yellow fades, and they quietly return to their regular brown camouflage.