Common Frog (Rana temporaria)

Common Frogs are frequently seen in Wyre, especially in the breeding season. They hibernate in damp places with many of the males spending the winter in the mud at the bottom of pools. In February and March the males congregate at the breeding pools where their croaking calls can be heard, and their white throats are conspicuous, especially at night. As each female arrives she attracts a male that grips her round her body in a hold called amplexus. When spawning occurs each female produces a clump of spawn which is fertilised externally by the males. The eggs develop into tiny tadpoles which eventually emerge from their protective jelly. They feed on algae and gradually grow into tiny froglets. These generally leave the ponds in May or June, and take 2 or 3 years to mature.

Published 30th August 2011 at 11:34 pm