The marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus) is a species of water frog native to Europe and parts of western Asia.

Description

The marsh frog is the largest type of frog in most of its range, with males growing to a size around 100 mm (3.9 in) SVL and females slightly larger (4 in) SVL. There is a large variation in colour and pattern, ranging from dark green to brown or grey, sometimes with some lighter green lines; a lighter line on the back is generally present. The frog will usually be darker coloured in early spring to absorb heat more efficiently.

Tadpoles can reach up to 190 mm (7.3 in) in length,

These frogs are very lenient in their habitats, and are able to inhabit a majority of different types of water bodies.

Diet

thumb|In [[amplexus]]

Adult marsh frogs have a large head that is able to devour a wide variety of prey, mostly arthropods and other invertebrates, as well as small fish, other amphibians (including conspecifics), reptiles, small birds, and rodents. These frogs have been found to climb onto water buffalo so they could eat the flies attracted to it, hinting at a possible mutualistic relationship.

As tadpoles, they eat a wide range of organic matter including algae, detritus, decaying plants, invertebrates, and dead animals.

  • Graf's hybrid frog Pelophylax kl. grafi (PR):<BR />Perez's frog P. perezi (PP) × P. ridibundus (RR) or<BR />Perez's frog P. perezi (PP) × edible frog P. kl. esculentus (RE)<BR />(it is unclear which one crossing was the primary hybridization)

References

thumb|Marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus) call recorded late evening in Basildon, Essex, UK

  • Listen to Pelophylax ridibundus call sound