# 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! - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Wetlands - **Also known as:** Common Frog ![Marsh Frog](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/RanaRidibundaFemale.jpg&width=800) Photo: Christian Fischer, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:RanaRidibundaFemale.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Anura - **Family:** Ranidae - **Genus:** Pelophylax ## 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 - **Super Swimmer:** Marsh Frogs have strong, webbed hind feet that help them swim very fast and escape danger underwater. - **Loud Croaker:** Marsh Frogs can inflate vocal sacs on their cheeks to make an incredibly loud, laughing-like croak. - **Sticky Tongue Snap:** 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 - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/grey-heron) (*Ardea cinerea*) — Herons are major bird predators of adult Marsh Frogs. - **Eaten by:** [Grass Snake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/grass-snake) (*Natrix natrix*) — Grass Snakes hunt Marsh Frogs in and around their watery habitats. - **Eats:** [Broad-bodied Chaser](https://www.snappit.app/explore/broad-bodied-chaser) (*Libellula depressa*) — Marsh Frogs actively hunt and consume various dragonfly species. - **Eaten by:** [European Perch](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-perch) (*Perca fluviatilis*) — Larger fish, like perch, may prey on Marsh Frog tadpoles. ## Traits - [Webbed Feet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/webbed-feet): Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [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. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. ## Collections - [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always watch where you step near water, as frogs can be slippery and quick! ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Marsh 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 Marsh Frog? 6-17 cm ### How much does Marsh Frog weigh? 0.05-0.25 kg ### How long does Marsh Frog live? 6-10 years ### How fast can Marsh Frog move? 10 km/h ### What does Marsh Frog eat? Marsh Frogs are hungry predators that eat almost any small creature they can catch! ### Where is Marsh Frog usually found? Wetlands ### How does Marsh 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*) --- Source: [Marsh Frog: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/marsh-frog)