Common frog

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Rana temporaria





T o see this species in the wild, click here.



What to look out for
There is a great variety in the colour and pattern of common frog. There are no obvious stripes except in bars across its legs at rest. The eyes have horizontal pupils and with a dark mask behind. It has two ridges (dorsolateral folds), running close together on either side of its back.  It generally appears shiny and wet, in contrast to the dryness of a toad. It makes powerful jumps to escape.

When to see it
Being an amphibian, the common frog is active during the daytime in wet conditions, but is normally most active at night. It is active throughout the spring and summer, hibernating between September and March; although warm weather can trigger earlier emergence from hibernation.

Where to see it
Usually only found in water during the spring breeding season, it is otherwise usually found in a wide range of terrestrial habitats. Found at altitude but not where the ground is frozen.

Things to think about
Male frogs call with a low rasping croak from the water. The smaller males fight for position on a gravid female and the winner hangs on with a strong grasp assisted by nuptial thumb pads. They breed in still water where large clumps of gelatinous eggs with dark centres in the shallows indicate their presence.