# European Common Frog (*Rana temporaria*) The European Common Frog is a friendly frog found in gardens and fields! They love to hop around and catch bugs. - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 5 - **Habitat:** Gardens, fields, and ponds - **Also known as:** Rana Frog ![European Common Frog](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426251/objects/5655.jpg) ## Appearance The European Common Frog is typically brown, olive-green, or grey, often with darker blotches and a distinctive dark 'mask' behind its eyes. It has smooth skin and lacks prominent warts, differentiating it from toads. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Anura - **Family:** Ranidae - **Genus:** Rana ## Interesting facts - A group of frogs can be called an army or even a knot! Wow! - Frogs don't drink water; they absorb it right through their permeable skin! - In winter, they hibernate at the bottom of ponds, even under the ice! - They shed their skin regularly and often eat it afterwards for extra nutrients! ## Special abilities - **Camouflage Master:** European Common Frog can blend seamlessly with its environment because of its varied skin patterns and earthy colors that help them hide from predators. - **Sticky Tongue Snatcher:** European Common Frog can snatch flying insects with its long, sticky tongue that extends quickly to catch prey. - **Underwater Breather:** European Common Frog can breathe through its skin underwater, allowing it to stay submerged for long periods to hide or hibernate. - **Powerful Leaper:** European Common Frog has powerful hind legs that help them jump impressive distances to escape danger or catch food. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 6-10 cm - **Weight:** 0.02-0.08 kg - **Lifespan:** 6-10 years - **Speed:** 10 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 1000-4000 - **Metamorphosis:** 70-120 days ## Diet & Feeding These frogs are predators, eating mostly small invertebrates they find on land or near water. - **Age differences:** Tadpoles eat algae and plant matter, while adult frogs eat insects and small invertebrates. - **Primary Foods:** Slugs, Snails, Earthworms, Insects, Spiders - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [Earthworm](https://www.snappit.app/explore/earthworm) (*Lumbricus terrestris*) — A primary food source found in soil. - **Eats:** Red slug (*Arion rufus*) — Common prey in damp environments. - **Eaten by:** [Grass Snake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/grass-snake) (*Natrix natrix*) — A common predator in their habitat. - **Eaten by:** [Grey Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/grey-heron) (*Ardea cinerea*) — Large bird preys on frogs near water. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [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. - [Hibernating](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/hibernating): Hibernating animals enter a state of metabolic depression during cold periods or when food is scarce, characterized by reduced body temperature and activity. - [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. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians) - [Reptiles & Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles-and-amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify European Common 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 European Common Frog? 6-10 cm ### How much does European Common Frog weigh? 0.02-0.08 kg ### How long does European Common Frog live? 6-10 years ### How fast can European Common Frog move? 10 km/h ### What does European Common Frog eat? These frogs are predators, eating mostly small invertebrates they find on land or near water. ### Where is European Common Frog usually found? Gardens, fields, and ponds ### How does European Common Frog hunt? Ambush ## Where to spot - [Pairi Daiza](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/pairi-daiza) — Hainaut, BE · Zoo - [Howletts Wild Animal Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/howletts-wild-animal-park) — England, GB · Zoo - [Newquay Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/newquay-zoo) — England, GB · Zoo - [Monkey World](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/monkey-world) — England, GB · Zoo - [Harz Nature Park (Lower Saxony)](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/harz-nature-park-lower-saxony) — Niedersachsen, DE · Park - [Naturpark Hessische Rhön](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/naturpark-hessische-rhon) — Hessen, DE · Park [View all places to see European Common Frog](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/european-common-frog) ## 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*) --- Source: [European Common Frog: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-common-frog)