Common Frog

Rana temporaria

Common Frogs are found in various colours, ranging from all shades of olive, brown or grey and green. There is normally a dark patch behind the eye and dark bands on the legs. Individuals are able to alter colour in response to light and temperature conditions. When spring approaches frogs emerge from hibernation and make their annual migration to water. The time this happens is governed by the temperature. Frogs croak to advertise that they are available for mating. The male climbs onto the back of the female and secures a firm grip. This hold can last for several days until the female lays her eggs, typically at night in shallow water. Occasionally, more than one male may be attached. Females produce release calls to signal that they have spawned. Males also make release calls, but their purpose is to fend off unwanted advances from other males. Frog spawn is generally deposited in dense clusters along the water's edge. Tadpoles stay together in a writhing mass when they first hatch. White spawn occurs when fertilisation is unsuccessful. It usually decomposes naturally in the water, but at times, the white dots may develop into white or transparent tadpoles.

Filming underwater proved challenging and a bit hit and miss because there was no way to look through the viewfinder. Not everything went as planned. No wonder large budget film makers move wildlife into specially designed tanks for filming! This movie contains frogs and toads.

TQ4792 26/02/2025 ©Michael Trump

Few tadpoles survive until adulthood, some reports say 1 in 50. Birds, newts, fish, snakes, rats, foxes, stoats, weasels, hedgehogs, water boatmen and dragonfly larvae all feed on tadpoles. Becoming an adult can be just as hazardous. This frog captured by a heron has croaked for the last time.

TQ4792 29/03/2025 ©Michael Trump

This picture shows a crow getting in on the act of frog catching. Frogs seem to be a more popular food choice than toads maybe because the latter secrete toxins from the body when threatened. However, some predators such as hedgehogs, stoats, weasels, rats and corvids are not deterred. Crows have learned to avoid the poisonous glands by flipping over a toad onto its back to reveal the soft and edible undersides. Dogs can become seriously ill if they bite or lick a toad and the best way to avoid this happening is to use a lead. Toxins sometimes hang around in water where toads have been, including puddles.

Species