Pond frogs are particularly conspicuous in the spring when they loudly draw attention to themselves in ponds. In this text you will find interesting facts about the interesting pond frog.

In a nutshell

  • Hybrid of sea frog and small water frog
  • mostly green ground color, but very variable in size and coloration
  • more attached to water than other frogs
  • very sociable

Characteristics

  • Scientific name: Pelophylax esculentus
  • Synonym: water frog
  • Size: up to 12 cm
  • Happen: on well-planted bodies of water of all kinds
  • spread: common everywhere
  • Food: mainly insects, but also aquatic life
  • reproduction: May to June, development from tadpole to young frogs

special feature

The pond frog is not a separate species, in fact pond frogs are hybrid forms of the marsh frog and the small water frog. All three frogs are grouped together under the term green frog. Due to genetic peculiarities, pond frogs can also reproduce without their parent species and sometimes hold their own better in water bodies.

External features

In terms of their appearance, pond frogs are often somewhere in the middle between marsh frogs and small water frogs. The extent to which the respective species characteristics prevail depends on heredity. The basic color is either greenish or brownish. In addition, there is usually a green center line on the back and darker spots and bands on the back and feet. The underside of the frog is light. The body size is also somewhere between the parent species.

Notice: Various color anomalies can occur, for example there are bluish specimens.

Differences from other frog species

In contrast to many other frogs, the pond frog is strongly tied to life in and around water. In case of danger, he immediately jumps into the water and hides in the layer of mud.

Other differences:

  • cannot climb like the tree frog
  • whitish-grey sacs very conspicuous when calling
  • spawns later than other frog species

habitat

Although green frogs prefer to be near water, they also undertake longer hikes on land. In addition to various ponds and ponds, fish waters are also suitable as habitats, provided they have sufficient vegetation on the banks, which the green frogs need for their protection. When water frogs live in a pond, they often do so in large numbers. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the three types.

way of life

The pond frog is diurnal. He likes to sunbathe on the shore or on floating plant leaves in the water. Other perches, such as stones, are also popular, not only for basking, but also for hunting insects, which it catches in the jump. In addition to insects, the pond frog also eats arthropods and snails. Under water he catches tadpoles or smaller fish. Cannibalism rarely occurs.

wintering

Like some other amphibians, the pond frog can hibernate both in water and on land. In the water, it uses the mud on the bottom. On land, it overwinters in burrows. In search of places to hibernate, the frog can get lost in human dwellings, such as cellars, and not find its way out.

development

Like other frogs, the pond frog develops from tadpoles. Between May and June, the female deposits several clumps of spawning in water bodies. These sink to the bottom and can contain up to over 1000 eggs. After about a week, the tadpoles hatch, feeding mainly on various algae. Further development up to the finished frog takes several months.

protection status

Since the pond frog is one of the most common frog species, it is not considered endangered. Nevertheless, like other amphibian species, it is also suffering from the increasing destruction of its habitat. Other dangers are roads, lawnmowers and toxins in agriculture, which ultimately destroy its food base.

frequently asked Questions

What are the differences between frogs and toads?

Frogs have a slimmer physique without the typical toad warts. In addition, their legs are designed for jumping, while toads tend to run.

How can frogs be protected?

It is important to protect bodies of water where frogs live. This also includes the immediate surroundings, such as damp meadows, which should only be mowed carefully when there are many young frogs out and about in summer.

How can you attract frogs to your own pond?

This is not so easy, as the animals choose their own whereabouts. The relocation of frogs, but also tadpoles is prohibited. Frogs come to the garden pond if it is designed as natural as possible and offers enough hiding places. Sufficient water depth ensures safe wintering.

Category:

Animals in the garden