Marsh Frog
The Marsh Frog is the largest European frog. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Edible Frog and Pool Frog. These 3 species are often referred to as "green frogs" to distinguish them from the more terrestrial European species which are known as "brown frogs" (best exemplified by the Common Frog).
Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities.
The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year.
Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed.
During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night.
Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature.
The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish.
The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London.
Date: 18th May 2014
Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex
Marsh Frogs show a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey. The Western European populations are generally dark green to black with dark spots on the back and sides and 3 clear green lines on the back. Females can reach a maximum length of around 6.5 inches but males are smaller at around 4.5 inches. The head is proportionally large and the hind legs are long which gives them excellent jumping abilities.
The Marsh Frog is usually gregarious and diurnal and more tied to aquatic habitats than the Common Frog. It is tolerant of brackish conditions and typically it is found on or in the water of its favoured drainage channels and pools throughout the year.
Marsh Frogs frequently sunbathe on the bank of the water body where they are often inconspicuous until disturbed when they will jump in to the water with a characteristic “plop”. They can often be seen on lily pads or floating at the surface amongst vegetation with only their heads exposed.
During the breeding season (and sometimes beyond) the male Marsh Frog calls very loudly with a sound reminiscent of a loud chuckle which is often very raucous and can be heard all day and night.
Dominant males establish territories from which they call. After mating a female may produce up to 16,000 eggs in a season, laying them in clumps of a few hundred in aquatic vegetation below the surface. They hatch in about a week, tadpoles being rather solitary and living in deep water with vegetation. Newly metamorphosed frogs are up to 1 inch in length and take 2 years to mature.
The diet of the Marsh Frog consists of dragonflies and other insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. Larger frogs also eat small rodents and sometimes smaller amphibians and fish.
The Marsh Frog is not a native species of the UK. It was first introduced to Walland Marsh, Kent in 1935 and is now found in several areas of Kent and East Sussex. Other introductions exist, including colonies in London.
Date: 18th May 2014
Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex
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Also in: Frogs and toads
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