Common frog

Description:

Adult common frogs have a body length of 6 to 9 centimetres and their backs and flanks vary in colour from olive green to grey-brown, brown, olive brown, grey, yellowish and rufous. However, common frogs are known to be able to lighten and darken their skin in order to match their surroundings. During the mating season male common frogs tend to turn greyish-blue. The average weight is 22.7 g. Females are usually slightly larger than males. The flanks, limbs and backs are covered with irregular dark blotches and they usually sport a chevron-shaped spot on the back of their neck and a dark spot behind the eye. Unlike other amphibians, common frogs generally lack a mid-dorsal band but, when they have one, it is comparatively faint. The underbelliy is white or yellow and can be speckled with brown or orange. The eyes are brown with transparent horizontal pupils, and they have transparent inner eyelids to protect the eyes while underwater, as well as a mask which covers the eyes and eardrums.

Habitat:

The common frog is found throughout much of Europe and is also found in Asia, and eastward to Japan. Outside the breeding season, common frogs live a solitary life in damp places near ponds or marshes or in long grass. They are normally active for much of the year, only hibernating in the coldest months. Common frogs hibernate in running waters, muddy burrows, or in layers of decaying leaves and mud at the bottom of ponds. The oxygen uptake through the skin suffices to sustain the needs of the cold and motionless frogs during hibernation.

Notes:

Spotted in Nieuwe Rande Forest in rural area of Deventer, Holland.(sources:see reference)