Marsh Frog

Pelophylax ridibundus

The Marsh Frog is a lively green frog that loves to jump around in wetlands. They make a loud croaking sound, especially during the warm months when they are looking for friends!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Marsh Frog is typically bright green or olive-brown, often with irregular dark spots and sometimes a light green stripe down its back. Its underside is usually white, and its head is triangular with prominent eyes, giving it a powerful, robust appearance compared to smaller pond frogs.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderAnuraFamilyRanidaeGenusPelophylax

Marsh Frog

Interesting facts

Marsh Frogs are the largest native frog species found in much of Europe!

Marsh Frogs hibernate by burrowing deep into mud at the bottom of ponds!

Their distinctive call can sometimes sound like a dog barking in the distance!

They can tolerate slightly salty water, unlike many other freshwater frogs.

Special abilities

Marsh Frogs have strong, webbed hind feet that help them swim very fast and escape danger underwater.

Marsh Frogs can inflate vocal sacs on their cheeks to make an incredibly loud, laughing-like croak.

Marsh Frogs have a long, sticky tongue that helps them quickly snatch flying insects right out of the air.

Measurements & details

Length: 6-17 cm
Weight: 0.05-0.25 kg
Lifespan: 6-10 years
Top Speed: 10 km/h
Clutch Size: 1000-10000
Metamorphosis: 70-100 days

Diet & Feeding

Marsh Frogs are hungry predators that eat almost any small creature they can catch!

Age differences: Tadpoles eat algae and plant matter; adults are carnivorous.

Primary Foods

insects
spiders
slugs
worms
small fish
other amphibians

Foraging Method

Ambush

Ecological connections

eaten by

Grey Heron

Ardea cinerea

Herons are major bird predators of adult Marsh Frogs.

eaten by

Grass Snake

Natrix natrix

Grass Snakes hunt Marsh Frogs in and around their watery habitats.

eats

Broad-bodied Chaser

Libellula depressa

Marsh Frogs actively hunt and consume various dragonfly species.

eaten by

European Perch

Perca fluviatilis

Larger fish, like perch, may prey on Marsh Frog tadpoles.

Traits

Webbed Feet

Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming.

Social

Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.

Camouflaged

Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.

Insectivorous

This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.

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.