The largest frog native to Europe and is distinguished by its robust size and vibrant, varied coloration. Typically found in a range of green shades, these frogs can also display brown or grey tones, with darker patches that provide excellent camouflage in their aquatic environments. The skin of the marsh frog is smooth and moist, an adaptation that aids in their primarily aquatic lifestyle.
Marsh frogs are notable not only for their size, which can reach up to 17 centimeters in length but also for their loud and distinctive calls. Their calls, which can sound like laughter, are especially prominent during the breeding season and are used by males to attract females to their territories. These vocalizations contribute to the rich chorus commonly heard in wetlands across their range, which includes various parts of Europe and parts of Asia, extending as far as the Middle East.
These frogs are predominantly water-dwellers, making their homes in lakes, rivers, marshes, and ponds. They prefer stagnant or slow-moving water where there is plenty of vegetation both for cover and for the abundance of insects and other small aquatic animals that make up their diet. Marsh frogs are voracious predators, feeding on a diet that includes insects, spiders, worms, and even smaller frogs, playing a critical role in controlling the populations of these organisms and maintaining the ecological balance.
Marsh frogs have several adaptations that help them thrive in their watery habitats. Their webbed feet make them excellent swimmers, and their powerful hind legs enable them to make substantial leaps both in water and on land. This agility is crucial both for catching prey and avoiding predators. Additionally, their skin secretes a slimy mucus that helps keep them moist and reduces the risk of predation by making them slippery and difficult to grasp.
Distribution
Afghanistan
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia And Herz.
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iran
Isle Of Man
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Latvia
Lithuania
Moldova
Montenegro
Netherlands
North Macedonia
Poland
Romania
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Switzerland
Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
Turkey
Ukraine
United Kingdom
UzbekistanAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
