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Common Frog


Common Frog
Photo Information
Copyright: Gert Paassen (Gert-Paassen) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1213 W: 2 N: 4571] (13826)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-10-13
Categories: Amphibians
Exposure: f/8, 1/640 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Dedications to Bayram [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-09-19 22:09
Viewed: 738
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 24
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note [Dutch]
Today a close up from the Common frog.
These specie are in The Netherlands and Belgium on the Red list and there for protected by federal law.
I were lying on the grass to photograph fungi's and then came this little frog (about 2 cm).

I dedicated this one to Bayram expert in herpetology.

Latin name - Rana temporaria

Identification
Tailless amphibian - Smooth skin.
Tends to jump not walk.
Horizontal ovoid pupil.

Dorsal surface and flanks, Very variable in colour, typically yellowish brown, brown but may be olive green coloured and some individuals have a reddish or yellow appearance. Variably spotted or striped.

Ventral surface, Males, dirty white or pale yellow, speckled with grey or brown; females pale yellow to orange.

The most consistent markings are the dark patch behind the eye and the strong barring on the hind limbs.

Length: 6 - 9 cm

Sexing
Some variation in belly colouration between the sexes, as mentioned. Males are generally smaller than females.

Breeding and Spawn
Emerging from hibernation in late February spawning usually takes place in early March. Though occasionally the frogs will emerge sooner and spawn as early as January.

The females are ready to spawn immediately after hibernation and the animals enter into amplexus very soon after arriving at their breeding ponds.

The spawn is laid in clumps and typically consists of 300 - 400 gelatinous eggs containing black embryos with a white spot.

The very young tadpoles are black but soon become speckled brown in colouration making them distinguishable from the permanently black tadpoles of the Common Toad.

What else could it be?
Common Frogs often breed in the same water as the Common Toad (Bufo bufo) and may be confused with them. At 8 to 13cm (3 - 5in) the toad is larger than the frog (6 - 9cm, 2.5 - 3.5in) which prefers to hop whereas the toad generally walks. The toad has a rounder snout than frogs when viewed from above and on close inspection, the warty skin of the toad identifies it from frogs. Toads also lack the distinctive dark patch behind the eye.

Where will I see a Common Frog?
Our most familiar native amphibian and a regular garden visitor, you may encounter the Common Frog from late February to early October. They often breed in garden ponds between February and March. Frogs are most likely to be seen during the breeding season, though sub adults may frequent garden ponds throughout the summer months. Adult frogs will range far from their breeding ponds and may be found almost anywhere at this time, from open fields to the more expected damp areas close to standing water.
jaycee, Juyona, Argus, siggi, haraprasan, boreocypriensis, goldyrs, jconceicao, cicindela has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2493 W: 11 N: 6885] (21912)
  • [2008-09-19 22:15]

Hi Gert,

A fantastic pov - not easy to look up to a frog! The face is wonderful but nothing compares to the eye which is golden and sparkles. Excellent colors and sharp details - warts and all. A superb shot.

Jane

  • Great 
  • Juyona Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2264 W: 10 N: 2632] (15573)
  • [2008-09-20 0:15]

Hola Gert,
bonito retrato,
excelente macro,
detalles y color...
saludos

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3821 W: 190 N: 11376] (35063)
  • [2008-09-20 1:17]

Hello Gert,
A very nice close sharp portrait of a young frog. The head and front leg are clearly shown in a fine pose and from a great POV. The vertical compositin is very suitable.
TFS this fine image,
Ivan

  • Great 
  • siggi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1378 W: 56 N: 4747] (16330)
  • [2008-09-20 1:44]

Hello Gert,
I love frogs and this shot of the Common frog, excellent POV showing the frog in a good pose and with good lighting and colours.
TFS and best wishes,
Siggi

very nice portrait of this frog. Nice natural colors and very interesting cropping!
Tfs
Ilias

  • Great 
  • foozi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1339 W: 0 N: 2575] (9085)
  • [2008-09-20 3:47]

Hello Gert,
greetings and warm regards from Malaysia.
As Bayram noted your 200th shot of nature should be applauded and congratulated. They are nature in beauties shot by you.
Years of photography make you skillful and depict originality in natural surroundings. congratulation.
The frog shot is very sharp and clear, good positioning and posture.
Beautifully cropped to focus on the head and eyes.
Nice composition.

regards,
Foozi

Hello Gert,

Very good capture of this Common Frog. I did not know that this species was on the Red List. We should prevent the children then to capture the tadpoles and the bigger frogs, at least I will do it since now. Good focus and sharpness, wonderful light and colours.
Nice dedication to Bayram :-)
Cheers,
Mariki

Hi Gert,
A nice portrait capture of this common frog. Sharp details and a nice composition. Thanks a lot for sharing.

Hi my Big Brother Gert,
Superb shot of this cute baby common frog with wonderful sharpness, excellent POV and composition. Thanks for you kind dedication and also sharing this fine image.
Have a nice Sunday!
Cheers,

bayram

An amazing macro, my dear friend Gert!Almost a portrait!
Superbe work!
Goldy

Hello Gert,

Wonderful close up of this frog.
Beautiful colours with excellent sharpness.
Composition and lighting are fantastic.

Hi Gert!
What a funny pose of this cute frog! I like a lot POV and eye-contact. Very nice work!
Greetings from Lodz,
Radomir

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