Am I Rana Temporaria ?

RED · #1 (**permalink**) 24-01-2010, 08:29 PM

I've had this pic since 07 but its been annoying me recently as I'd assumed it was a common frog (Rana Temporaria) but for some reason something doesn't look quite right.
Any ideas ??

Jason Green · #2 (**permalink**) 25-01-2010, 12:17 AM

Morning RED,

Yes, Common Frog Rana temporaria - albeit variable in colour! This is an excellent site I've come across: http://www.herpetofauna.co.uk/

Take care,

Jason

RED · #3 (**permalink**) 25-01-2010, 12:05 PM

Brill, Thanks Jason.

That was the site I was looking for (Found it invaluable for learning the basic differences between frogs and toads a year or two ago)

I'm still not sure why I thought it might not be Rana T, maybe a dodgy angle, the fact it's all brown (Eventhough I know they can be very varied) and possibly because it was taken down in Staffordshire so the chances of it being something other than Rana T are higher than if it'd been taken here in the North East

Dogghound · #4 (**permalink**) 26-01-2010, 09:01 PM

Likely a female too.

Jason Green · #5 (**permalink**) 26-01-2010, 10:47 PM

...I've never thought about that before, how do you sex them?

PMG · #6 (**permalink**) 27-01-2010, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Green

...I've never thought about that before, how do you sex them?

The one on top hitching a ride is a lazy male .........

Sorry Jase I just couldn't resist ........ but yes I'd like to know too - would it be something to do with their fingers and large pads for gripping females or am I dreaming?

Pauline

Dogghound · #7 (**permalink**) 27-01-2010, 08:58 AM

Males would rarely get to this size they are usually smaller. Also most males will still be aquatic throughout their hibernation, females tend (not always) to hibernate terrestrially therefore are more often see throughout winter.

In breeding season males have very bulky flabby fore arms with a bluish tinge for grabbing females. The throat also shows this tinge too. They then develop dark nuptial pads on their thumbs. (so not dreaming Pauline

)

Females tend to develop pearly granules on their flanks and hind legs in breeding season.

Also to age a frog look at its face, it it has a smooth rounded face like this one it means its actually quite old. Young frogs tend to have more pointed sharper features.