The common frog
Rana temporariar
The common frog is the most common amongst the so-called “red frogs”, and it is the European amphibian with the greatest variety of colours and spots: its base colour ranges from yellowish-brown to greenish, from reddish to burnt-brown and from greyish to almost black. The spotting may be more or less evident, extensive or marbled, but sometimes it is absent. The females often have reddish tints. The eyes are surrounded by a darker mask.
Although the common frog frequents humid environments, it is a land animal. In fact, many individuals go into the water only to reproduce, in the spring, when they deposit thousands of eggs in jelly-like bunches. During this time-period, it may indeed happen that hundreds of frogs congregate, and one can hear their guttural, croaky sounds, especially in the evenings.
The common frog feeds on insects. It reaches 9-10cm length and weighs about 100g. It can live to about ten years of age.
Being very adaptable, this frog frequents a large variety of environments, even above the tree line. The species’ distribution area covers all of Central Europe and a large part of Asia. It prefers a cold climate, in fact, it is found throughout Scandinavia, up to the North Pole, where it represents the only amphibious species able to survive.
Although the common frog frequents humid environments, it is a land animal. In fact, many individuals go into the water only to reproduce, in the spring, when they deposit thousands of eggs in jelly-like bunches. During this time-period, it may indeed happen that hundreds of frogs congregate, and one can hear their guttural, croaky sounds, especially in the evenings.
The common frog feeds on insects. It reaches 9-10cm length and weighs about 100g. It can live to about ten years of age.
Being very adaptable, this frog frequents a large variety of environments, even above the tree line. The species’ distribution area covers all of Central Europe and a large part of Asia. It prefers a cold climate, in fact, it is found throughout Scandinavia, up to the North Pole, where it represents the only amphibious species able to survive.
