Organisms with complex life cycles, such as amphibians, are particularly sensitive to the changes associated with urbanization and are often the first to be extirpated. Ecosystems that are urbanized experience many alterations including greater fluctuation in water levels, higher temperatures, and an increase in invasive species. One common invasive in the urbanized southern United States is the Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta; RIFA). For newly metamorphosed amphibians, ants comprise a significant amount of their diet. When an amphibian metamorph tries to eat a RIFA, the predator can quickly become the prey. In Texas, the Gulf Coast Toad (Incilius nebulifer) is one of the only amphibians that appear to be increasing in abundance and distribution. To investigate their success, we tested the growth and survival of I. nebulifer tadpoles exposed to two different water levels (high and low) and two different water temperatures (31°C and 23°C ). We then tested for a carry-over effect after metamorphosis by exposing tadpoles to RIFA periodically throughout their early post metamorphic development and measured survival and growth post-metamorphosis. Tadpoles raised in 31°C water grew faster than 23°C water. All metamorphs exposed to RIFA had decreased survival, and metamorphs that were raised in 31°C water as tadpoles had the greatest decrease in survival after exposure to RIFA. Although warmer water allowed tadpoles to grow faster, they were ultimately more susceptible to succumbing to the stress caused by RIFA encounters. Even for a species that appears to have adapted well to urban living, urbanization still poses a high risk to survival.