Marsh Frog: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Frogs and Toads · day 1 of 7

Five facts

1. The marsh frog can grow to 15 cm long. Where it lives, it is often the biggest frog around.
2. Marsh frogs have been seen hopping onto water buffalo to snap up the flies that gather around these big animals.
3. Both males and females can sense the Earth's magnetic field and use it to find their way to breeding ponds.
4. Unusually for an amphibian, it can cope with salty water. It has even bred in brackish pools by the Caspian and Black Seas.
5. When a male calls, a pair of pouches puffs out, one on each side of his head. They are usually dark grey or black.

The quiz

1. How long can a marsh frog grow?

• 3 cm
• 15 cm (correct)
• 40 cm
• 1 m

It can reach 15 cm, often the biggest frog where it lives.

2. Which big animal have marsh frogs been seen climbing onto to catch flies?

• Horses
• Camels
• Wild boar
• Water buffalo (correct)

They hop onto water buffalo to eat the flies drawn to them.

3. What helps marsh frogs find their breeding ponds?

• The Earth's magnetic field (correct)
• The position of the Moon
• Following fish upstream
• The smell of flowers

Both sexes can use the Earth's magnetic field to find breeding sites.

4. Where has this frog been found breeding, which is unusual for an amphibian?

• Inside hollow trees
• In salty pools near the sea (correct)
• Under snowdrifts
• In bird nests

It copes with salty water and has bred in brackish pools by the sea.

5. What colour are a male marsh frog's calling pouches, usually?

• Bright red
• Bright blue
• Dark grey or black (correct)
• Orange

His two vocal sacs are usually dark grey or black.

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