Common frog

Rana temporaria · The common frog is a semi-aquatic amphibian found throughout much of Europe, from Ireland to the Urals and as far north as Scandinavia, and also in Asia.

Also called European common frog, European common brown frog, European grass frog, European brown frog, European Holarctic true frog.

Common frog
Photo: Stephan Sprinz, CC BY 4.0
Common frog
Photo: Richard Bartz, Munich aka Makro Freak Image:MFB.jpg, CC BY-SA 2.5
Common frog
Photo: Chmee2, CC BY 3.0

Taxonomy

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAmphibia
OrderAnura
FamilyRanidae
GenusRana
SpeciesRana temporaria

Where it lives

Ponds and meadows from Ireland to the Urals, north beyond the Arctic Circle.

Fun facts

  • Common frogs can lighten and darken their skin to match their surroundings.
  • Common frogs have transparent inner eyelids that protect their eyes while they are underwater.
  • During hibernation, a cold, motionless common frog can get all the oxygen it needs through its skin.
  • Common frogs live further north than any other amphibian in their region, even inside the Arctic Circle in Scandinavia.

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Facts and taxonomy adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).