David Element
Wildlife Photography and Digital
Video Images
___________________________________________________
Amphibians 15 – Marsh Frogs
MARSH FROG Pelophylax ridibundus
MARSH
FROG Pelophylax ridibundus
·
Identification of the Pelophenax genus
of Water Frogs is a complex affair
as there are a number of very similar species in continental Europe that
hybridise readily and unless an individual frog can be captured it is doubtful
that an unequivocal identification could be arrived at by a non-expert. Two key
areas are the shape of the metatarsal tubercles and the call, both of which
would require comparative data. The overall shape is also significant but also
difficult to judge without comparison. A knowledge of the geographical range
may help to reduce the possible candidates but it is somewhat easier to be
certain about the classification of isolated populations of known species
living in the British Isles. The Marsh
Frogs Pelophylax ridibundus sensu lato shown here belong to a well-established colony
at Rainham Marshes in Essex. As will be evident from the photographs the
markings can be variable (e.g. dark blotches, bright green dorsal lines)!
- David’s
films of reptiles and amphibians may be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4AirIEc0Nodlcvlf7oYAJgJo8k7pHJ-A.
-> Amphibians 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
->
Species Index, Common Names
->
Species Index, Scientific Names
->
Site Index
->
Home