the common frog is an amphibian commonly found around the uk. There are lots of interesting things about this animal.
Appearance
Most common frogs are brown, green or grey but some can also be red or yellow. They measure around 8-13cm in length and weigh approximately 22g. Females are larger than males. Adult frogs have smooth skin with dark patches, long hind legs, webbed feet and a dark band around their eyes. Tadpoles start brown but gradually become speckled with gold as they develop.
Diet
Frogs are carnivores which means they eat other animals, such as flies, worms, snails and slugs, They use their sticky tongue to catch them. Tadpole diets consist of algae in the water.
Where do they live?
They are found widespread throughout the UK however they are usually found near garden ponds and lakes during the spring months. You can find them in meadows and gardens through the rest of the year.
Threats
Common frog numbers have declined in the recent years. One of the biggest problems is loss of breeding habitat. They are also frequent ran over by cars while travelling to a breeding site. A way to help frogs is to build a frog pond in your garden.
Lifecycle
The common frog has a very interesting lifecycle. The first step is an adult frog laying eggs. Next the eggs hatch and inside are tadpoles ( an aquatic larva of an amphibian ) when the tadpoles have been hatched for around 16 weeks they grow hind legs shortly after they grow front ones. They then become froglets and then adult frogs. The cycle then repeats.
Fun facts
The biggest frogs can weigh seven pounds! Nearly the weight of a new born baby!
Frogs drink through their skin!
Frogs hibernate in winter and are cold blooded.
When returning to breeding site frogs don’t often go when it is a full moon because they think it is more likely for a predator to be waiting.
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