Fun Marsh Frog Facts For Kids

Marsh Frogs are one of the most prominently found wildlife in natural marshlands. With voracious appetites, their populations can eat a variety of small animals (almost any small insect that is edible).

They make their homes near plants, and these wetlands see them having thousands of tadpoles, many of whom do not survive against the harsher wildlife.

They are placed mostly around Europe and Asia, and there has been a hot debate if these species are taking over the native populations of wildlife due to their voracious appetite, and unmatched reproduction skills.

A wide range of predators, including dragonflies, fish, snakes, birds, bugs, centipedes, and even monkeys, feed on these frogs. As a result, the extinction of this frog species will result in a disruption in an intricate food web, resulting in detrimental consequences that spread across the ecosystem.

Though there is no conclusion on this front, they are still acknowledged as one of the most common species wherever they go. To maintain this status, some countries have passed laws to put them under governmental protection, but many let them be free, allowing them to be taken into the pet trade.

Read all about them, and do also check out the olm and the toad.

Marsh Frog Interesting Facts

What type of animal is a Marsh Frog?

Marsh Frogs are types of frogs.

What class of animal does a Marsh Frog belong to?

Marsh Frogs belong to a class of amphibians.

How many Marsh Frogs are there in the world?

Although the exact number of these frogs is uncertain, biologists believe their population is large. Many countries have laws protecting these frogs.

Where does a Marsh Frog live?

Marsh Frogs are European native species that can be found in Europe and parts of Asia. These amphibians have taken over a large part of Europe, from Western France to the Middle East, as well as some parts of Russia.

What is a Marsh Frog's habitat?

One of Europe's largest native frogs, their habitats are mostly in the wetlands. The most common Marsh Frog habitat is lakes, drainage, channels, ponds, streams, and rivers. This amphibian spends the majority of its time in the water, but it can also be seen sunbathing on land.

Who do Marsh Frogs live with?

Marsh Frogs live in families and are social animals. Army, colony, or knot are terms used to describe a frog's party. And young Marsh frogs swim in groups, just like fish. During mating season, the male frogs in a group croak very loudly.

How long does a Marsh Frog live?

In good health, this pool frog can live for around five years. This dark brown pond frog has a lifespan of around 10 years in the wild. Marsh Frog lifespan may vary according to their natural habitats

How do they reproduce?

The Marsh Frog's breeding season occurs in the early spring. Males use a distinct call to attract females' attention. A female can lay up to 1,000 eggs in a shallow area of water after mating.

The eggs are laid in a floating mass that normally clings to aquatic plant life. Birds, fish, and small mammals like raccoons consume a lot of frog eggs.

Frogs lay a large number of eggs to ensure that at least some of their young survive to adulthood. In 6-21 days, the eggs will hatch. Every breeding season, frogs have different partners that have little to do with caring for the eggs.

What is their conservation status?

Due to continuous deforestation and pollution in soil and water, the populations of Marsh Frogs are reducing in a few parts of their native range. Apart from these populations, the population of these amphibians is large and stable. So Marsh Frogs can be considered Least Concern as species.

Marsh Frog Fun Facts

What do Marsh Frogs look like?

This amphibian has a large head and skin that is smooth. Skin color varies, but green, dark brown and grey are the most common.

They have two parallel lines down their backs and eyes that are closer together than native frogs. This species of wildlife has eyes on top of its head and can be striped or spotted. These pond frogs are around 4-5 in long on average.

How cute are they?

This amphibian, which can be gray, dark green, or brown and has a wide head and slippery skin, does not seem cute.

How do they communicate?

Like other frogs, these frogs have a variety of calls. During the breeding season, some of the calls are used to attract a mate, while others are used to warn other frogs of a nearby predator.

However, they have a distinct call that sounds like laughter. They've gained the nickname 'laughing frog' as a result of this. Another distinctive Marsh Frog sound is quacking.

How big is a Marsh Frog?

Marsh frogs are the largest native frogs in Europe. Male frogs usually reach a length of 4 in, while females reach a length of 4.3 in. These frogs, on the other hand, have been known to grow to be 7 in long.

The Pool frog is around the same size as common frogs, typically up to 2-3 in long, with females somewhat bigger than males. Thus Pool Frogs are slightly smaller, as compared to Marsh Frogs.

But Pool frogs and Marsh Frogs share similar edible food. The length of the Spotted Marsh Frog is about 2 in. So the brown-colored spotted Marsh frog is much smaller than common Marsh Frogs.

How fast can a Marsh Frog run?

The top speed of a Marsh Frog is about 5 mph. The Marsh Frog's legs (back) are long, allowing them to move quickly.

These amphibians float expertly in the water thanks to their webbed feet. The speed of these Marsh Frogs is excessive, making it easier for them to avoid predators. Their dark skin also helps these species blend in with their marshy surroundings.

How much does a Marsh Frog weigh?

The average weight of this amphibian is 0.4-0.5 oz.

What are the male and female names of the species?

There is not any specific name for males and females amphibians Marsh Frogs.

What would you call a baby Marsh Frog?

Marsh Frogs babies are popularly known as a tadpole. When the tail of Marsh Frog tadpoles contracts into a tiny stub, this young one is known as a froglet.

What do they eat?

These amphibians eat other amphibians. Mostly this species feeds on small insects. Birds, spiders, worms, slugs, and dragonflies are among the foods eaten by Marsh Frogs. This species' larger frogs are capable of eating smaller frogs and even mice. The Marsh Frog diet consumes 10-20% of its body weight in food.

Are they dangerous?

It is believed that Marsh Frogs have an effect on native species, and there is some debate and increasing concern. In general, these problem species may bring new diseases that affect native wildlife, or they may prey on native plants and animals, reducing the abundance or availability of native species.

Would they make a good pet?

They are a perfect 'beginner' species of pet frog because their caring is easy and can live in captivity for up to five years. The basic color of frogs is green, with white spots all over their backs. To care for a marsh frog, you'll need a suitable tank and substrate. They also need suitable water.

Did you know...

In the winter, these frogs go into hibernation. At the bottom of a stream, lake, or pond, they burrow into the mud. These frogs have an elevated level of glucose when hibernating, which keeps them from freezing as the temperature drops.

Marsh Frogs live in the deep water of streams and lakes, where water buffalo stand. The frogs climb onto the back of a water buffalo to eat the flies that live in their thick coats.

The Marsh Frog gets to eat insects, while the water buffalo's coat is taken care of. A water buffalo's thick coat also helps to keep these frogs warm on colder days.

This is referred to as an animal-to-animal mutualistic relationship. These amphibious frogs are active at all hours of the day and night, and they withdraw to deeper water when they sense danger.

How far can they jump?

Marsh Frogs have outstanding swimming and jumping abilities. It can jump over 130 inches in one leap, which is 44 times its body weight, despite being just 4-5 in long.

A 5-foot-tall person will have to leap 220 ft in one leap to equal that. Marsh Frogs have long back legs, which make them excellent jumpers. To avoid predators and capture food, frogs must leap quickly.

What do Marsh Frogs sound like?

Males of most frog and toad species are known for using distinctive sounds to attract mates, which range from high-pitched peeps to loud-throated croaks.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other amphibians including the Axolotl, or the Bullfrog.

You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our fat frog coloring pages.