Common Frog
Rana temporaria
Also known as: European Frog, Grass Frog, European Common Frog
About This Species
A widespread European amphibian that gathers in ponds, ditches and garden pools in an explosive breeding rush, often within just a few nights in late winter or early spring, leaving behind large clumps of jelly-like spawn. Outside the breeding season it is largely terrestrial, sheltering under logs, stones and damp vegetation in gardens, hedgerows and woodland. The best time to see adults is at dusk or after dark during the short spawning window, when males call softly and pairs gather at the water's edge.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- It is protected in parts of its European range against sale and trade, though rules on handling and disturbance differ considerably between countries, so local wildlife legislation should be checked before touching animals or spawn.
- Observing spawning aggregations from the pond edge without wading in or removing spawn avoids damaging egg masses and the surrounding habitat.
- Torches used after dark should be kept brief and low-intensity, since prolonged bright light can disrupt calling and mating behaviour.
LCAmphibiaAnuraRanidae
Seasonal Activity
618,001 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Amphibia
- Order
- Anura
- Family
- Ranidae
Photo
Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons
CC-BY-SA-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.