David
Element
Wildlife Photography and Digital Video Images
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Amphibians 16 - Iberian Water or Perez’s Frogs
IBERIAN
WATER OR PEREZ’S FROG Pelophylax perezi
IBERIAN
WATER OR PEREZ’S FROG Pelophylax perezi
IBERIAN
WATER OR PEREZ’S FROG Pelophylax perezi
IBERIAN
WATER OR PEREZ’S FROG Pelophylax perezi
IBERIAN
WATER OR PEREZ’S FROG Pelophylax perezi
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These photographs of the endemic Iberian Water or
Perez’s Water Frog Pelophylax perezi were
taken in Portugal where this species is commonly to be found (in the wetter
areas). European ‘Green’ Frogs can be difficult to separate as their genetics
are quite complex but thankfully alternative identifications could be excluded
on the basis of the location. Close examination of the first photograph will
show the protruding wing-tip of a fresh female Cardinal
Butterfly Argynnis pandora that the photographer had unwittingly
been photographing for the last few seconds of its life as she took a drink
from the surface of a Duckweed-covered pond. There was a sudden splash after
just two exposures had been taken as the frog launched itself from a distance
of several feet away and the pictures tell the rest of the story! Any insect
flying immediately above one of these frogs will be at potential risk of being
grabbed in mid-air. Note how the muscles surrounding the eyes are used to
assist with swallowing. The final photograph shows the biter being bit – by a
mosquito – a good illustration of the fact that humans are not the only victims
of these biting insects although it is likely to have been a species that
specialised in feeding on the blood of these frogs. Transmitted malarial
parasites are not confined to human hosts either.
- David’s films of British reptiles and
amphibians may be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4AirIEc0Nodlcvlf7oYAJgJo8k7pHJ-A.
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