# Edible Frog (*Pelophylax esculentus*)

The Edible Frog is a green frog that loves to hop around in ponds and wetlands. They are great jumpers and can be found near water, making them fun to watch!

- **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Wetlands

![Edible Frog](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Edible_Frog_-_Rana_esculenta_-_panoramio_%287%29.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Björn S., CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Edible_Frog_-_Rana_esculenta_-_panoramio_%287%29.jpg)

## Appearance

The Edible Frog is typically bright green with irregular dark spots, though some individuals may appear brownish or olive. It often has a distinct pale green or yellow stripe running down its back. Its eyes are set relatively close together, helping it spot prey.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Amphibia
- **Order:** Anura
- **Family:** Ranidae
- **Genus:** Pelophylax

## Interesting facts

- Edible Frogs can jump more than 20 times their own body length in a single leap!
- Male Edible Frogs have giant vocal sacs that inflate like balloons when they croak!
- They can stay underwater for surprisingly long periods, breathing through their skin.
- This amazing frog is actually a natural hybrid of two other frog species!

## Special abilities

- **Aquatic Adaptability:** Edible Frog has strong webbed feet and a streamlined body because of its semi-aquatic nature, that helps them swim swiftly underwater.
- **Vocal Communication:** Edible Frog can produce loud, distinct croaks because of its large inflatable vocal sacs, that helps them attract mates from afar.
- **Hibernation Power:** Edible Frog can survive freezing temperatures because of its natural anti-freeze compounds, that helps them endure cold winters buried in mud.

## Measurements & details

- **Length:** 5-10 cm
- **Weight:** 0.02-0.05 kg
- **Lifespan:** 5-10 years
- **Speed:** 3 km/h
- **Clutch Size:** 1000-3000
- **Metamorphosis:** 60-90 days

## Diet & Feeding

These hungry frogs are expert hunters, munching on a variety of insects and other small creatures.

- **Age differences:** Tadpoles are primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae; adults are carnivorous.
- **Primary Foods:** Flies, Beetles, Spiders, Worms, Small Slugs, Small Fish
- **Foraging Method:** Ambush

## Ecological connections

- **Eaten by:** [Grey Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/grey-heron) (*Ardea cinerea*) — Herons frequently hunt frogs from shallow water.
- **Eaten by:** [Grass Snake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/grass-snake) (*Natrix natrix*) — Grass snakes are common predators of Edible Frogs.
- **Eats:** [Broad-bodied Chaser](https://www.snappit.app/explore/broad-bodied-chaser) (*Libellula depressa*) — Adult Edible Frogs ambush and consume dragonflies.

## Traits

- [Webbed Feet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/webbed-feet): Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming.
- [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
- [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
- [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wetland): This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.
- [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
- [Freshwater](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/freshwater): Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
- [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
- [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.

## Collections

- [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Don't touch frogs unless you have an adult with you, as some can be slippery or might not like to be held.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Edible Frog?

Check the toe pads, leg length, eye markings, back pattern and body shape. Don't lean on color: some frogs change shade to match their surroundings. Frog Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How long is Edible Frog?

5-10 cm

### How much does Edible Frog weigh?

0.02-0.05 kg

### How long does Edible Frog live?

5-10 years

### How fast can Edible Frog move?

3 km/h

### What does Edible Frog eat?

These hungry frogs are expert hunters, munching on a variety of insects and other small creatures.

### Where is Edible Frog usually found?

Wetlands

### How does Edible Frog hunt?

Ambush

## More Amphibians

- [Eastern Red-backed Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-red-backed-salamander) (*Plethodon cinereus*)
- [California Slender Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-slender-salamander) (*Batrachoseps attenuatus*)
- [Cuban Tree Frog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cuban-tree-frog) (*Osteopilus septentrionalis*)
- [European Toad](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-toad) (*Bufo bufo*)

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Source: [Edible Frog: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/edible-frog)
