Animal Profiles
Amphibians

Common Frog

Rana temporaria

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The common frog is a widespread European amphibian that also occurs in northwestern Asia. Adults use damp land habitats and return to water to breed.

Rana temporaria (common frog)

Richard Bartz , Munich aka Makro Freak Image:MFB.jpg · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Common frogs inhabit damp woodland, meadows and uplands across Europe and into northwestern Asia. Breeding takes place in freshwater.
Habitat
Temperate forest, Wetlands, Mountains, Rivers and lakes
Diet
Insectivore
Food
Insects, larvae, spiders, snails and worms provide food.

Classification

Common name
Common Frog
Browse group
Amphibians
Scientific name or taxon
Rana temporaria
Taxon rank
species
Order
Anura
Family
Ranidae
Genus
Rana
Source classification
Amphibia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Measurements

Size and speed

Length
7.5 to 8 cm adult length reported by ADW

Typical adult ranges. Source: Animal Diversity Web.

Three things to know

  • A dark patch lies behind each eye.
  • Strong hind legs support jumping and swimming.
  • Adults do not tend their eggs.

Habitat and range

Common frogs inhabit damp woodland, meadows and uplands across Europe and into northwestern Asia. Breeding takes place in freshwater.

Appearance and adaptations

Colours vary from brown and grey to olive and other shades. A dark triangular mark covers the area around the eardrum.

Diet and behaviour

Insects, larvae, spiders, snails and worms provide food. Adults shelter in damp places and forage at night or in rainy conditions. They return to water for spawning and seek protected sites in winter.

Sources

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