Have you ever wondered about the different types of frogs found in Ukraine? Look no further! In this article, you will discover the seven unique types of frogs that inhabit Ukraine’s diverse ecosystems. From the Common Frog, known for its explosive breeding strategy, to the vibrant blue male Moor Frog during its mating season, each species has its own distinct characteristics and habitats. Whether you’re a frog enthusiast or simply curious about the amphibians in Ukraine, this article provides fascinating information and stunning pictures to satisfy your curiosity. So, let’s dive into the captivating world of Ukrainian frogs!
The 7 Types of FROGS Found in Ukraine! (w/Pics)
Do you want to learn about the different frogs in Ukraine? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In the article below, we will introduce you to the seven different types of frogs you can expect to see in Ukraine. For each species, we will provide information on how to identify them correctly, along with pictures, interesting facts, and even range maps! So let’s dive in and discover the incredible world of Ukrainian frogs!
#1. Common Frog Rana temporaria
Identifying Characteristics
Adults of the Common Frog species can grow up to 11 cm long. They have a short, blunt snout and partially webbed feet. Their coloring can vary, ranging from nearly black to pale brown, and sometimes even displaying shades of red or yellowish hues. One of the most distinctive markings of the Common Frog is a white upper lip and a dark patch behind the eye.
Habitat and Breeding Behavior
The Common Frog is the most widespread frog species in Ukraine. It can be found in nearly every habitat with stagnant water, including ponds, ditches, flooded meadows, and swamps. If you have a pond in your garden, it is very likely that this species is making use of it. Common Frogs have an explosive breeding strategy, where hundreds of frogs gather together and breed simultaneously. During the breeding season, it is not uncommon to see entire ponds covered in frog eggs. This unique breeding behavior results in the emergence of a large number of young frogs during late summer. However, some late-hatching tadpoles hibernate over winter and emerge the following spring instead.
#2. Moor Frog Rana arvalis
Identifying Characteristics
Adults of the Moor Frog species typically grow up to 6 cm long, occasionally reaching up to 8 cm. They have a pale brown coloring with dark brown streaks. One distinguishing feature of the Moor Frog is the presence of three ridges that run down its back. During breeding, male Moor Frogs undergo a remarkable transformation, turning completely blue for a few days.
Breeding Season and Behavior
The Moor Frog’s breeding season is a captivating sight to behold. When ready to mate, the usually plain-looking male Moor Frog turns bright blue, creating a stunning visual display. In Ukraine, Moor Frogs are relatively easy to find as they spend most of their time on land and are active during the day. They are less skittish than other species, which makes it easier to observe them in detail. Moor Frogs inhabit moors as their name suggests, but they can also be found in flooded meadows, lakes, and temporary water sources.
Habitat and Where to Find Them
If you’re interested in observing Moor Frogs, look for them in land areas near ditches, ponds, and flooded meadows. Their active behavior throughout the day, combined with their preference for open spaces, makes spotting them a rewarding experience.
#3. Agile Frog Rana dalmatina
Identifying Characteristics
Adults of the Agile Frog species grow up to 8 cm long. They have a slender body and long legs, coupled with a light brown coloring on their upper side and pale cream to white on their bellies. The legs of Agile Frogs are banded with dark brown or black, and they have a distinctive black patch behind the eye.
Behavior and Habitat
As their common name suggests, Agile Frogs are known for their remarkable leaping ability. When disturbed, these large, light-colored frogs can leap incredible distances, covering up to two meters in a single bound! Agile Frogs can be found on land near ditches, ponds, and flooded meadows in Ukraine. They are active both day and night, spending most of their time hunting for beetles, which are their main food source.
Recommended Behavior and Habitat
To identify the Agile Frog, listen for their distinct call, which is a five- to ten-second high-pitched cry. They often call in a series, with each note becoming longer, higher-pitched, and further spaced.
#4. Pool Frog Pelophylax lessonae
Identifying Characteristics
Adults of the Pool Frog species can grow up to 8 cm long. They have large eyes, long toes, and three ridges along their back from the head to the legs. Pool Frogs have a green coloring on the head and body, brown on the legs, and dark splotches roughly arranged in stripes.
Preferred Habitat
Pool Frogs are named for their preference for very small bodies of water. While they can be found in ponds, you will have better luck locating this species in flooded ditches, collections of rainwater, and even wheel ruts on dirt roads. These aquatic frogs are active both day and night, and they love basking in the sun and spending time out in the open. They mainly forage after sunset when insects become active. During cold weather, Pool Frogs typically hibernate on land, although some individuals may choose to spend the winter underwater.
Breeding Behavior and Call
The Pool Frog has a very distinctive call that lasts for several seconds. It is a loud rattling noise that alternates with a flat rasping sound. Additionally, Pool Frogs make short squeaking noises to advertise their territory.
#5. Edible Frog Pelophylax kl. esculentus
Identifying Characteristics
Adults of the Edible Frog species grow up to 10 cm long. They have protruding eyes, long toes, and a long, pointed snout. Their coloring is green on the body and legs, with dark splotches arranged in stripes. Their belly is pale.
Origin and Reproduction
The Edible Frog has a fascinating origin that sets it apart from other frogs in Ukraine. It is the result of a hybridization between two frog species, followed by a remarkable reproductive process called Gynogenesis. Essentially, the fertile female offspring of a Pool Frog and a Marsh Frog can reproduce without using any of the breeding male’s genetic material. Instead, she produces clones of herself with the same DNA. This unique reproductive process lends an air of intrigue to the Edible Frog species.
Culinary Use
As the name suggests, this frog species is used to make the French delicacy of frog legs. While some may enjoy consuming this species, many prefer to observe them in the wild, appreciating their unique biology and beauty.
#6. Marsh Frog Pelophylax ridibundus
Identifying Characteristics
Adults of the Marsh Frog species can grow up to 15 cm long. They have a pointed snout, robust body, and long, powerful legs. The coloring of Marsh Frogs ranges from dark green to olive, fading to brown on the sides and legs. They have black blotches across their body, which form bands on the hind legs.
Habitat and Similar Species
Marsh Frogs in Ukraine are typically found in deep ponds, lakes, and larger rivers. With their large size and distinctive coloration, Marsh Frogs are hard to miss. However, it is important to note that they can sometimes be confused with their close relatives, the Graf’s Hybrid Frog and the Iberian Water Frog. To differentiate between these species, it is best to consider the location where you are observing the frog.
Distinctive Call
One way to identify the Marsh Frog is by listening for its distinctive voice. It emits a series of evenly spaced metallic squeaks, which can be easily distinguished from the calls of other frog species.
#7. Eastern Tree Frog Hyla orientalis
Identifying Characteristics
Adults of the Eastern Tree Frog species are about 5 cm long. They have very long, thin legs with little webbing on their toes. Their horizontal pupils are set in golden brown eyes. The most typical coloring of the Eastern Tree Frog is a bright grassy green, although some individuals may appear brownish or gray.
Meteorological Talent
The Eastern Tree Frog possesses an interesting talent: it acts as a bit of a meteorologist. These bright green frogs are known to croak loudly when storms draw near, as they can sense the change in air pressure. While there are only a few species of tree frogs in Europe, it can be challenging to distinguish them from one another due to their similar appearance. The best way to differentiate the Eastern Tree Frog is by taking into account its bright green coloring or listening for its metallic, high-pitched croaks. Its loud call can be heard from as far away as a kilometer or more!
If you need additional help identifying frogs in Ukraine, a field guide specifically tailored to Ukrainian frogs can provide detailed information and visual aids.
Additional Resources
For further information and assistance in identifying frogs in Ukraine, we recommend checking out a field guide dedicated to this topic. A reliable field guide can serve as a valuable resource when encountering these fascinating creatures in the wild.
Conclusion
Now that you have been introduced to the seven types of frogs found in Ukraine, we hope you feel inspired to go out and explore their natural habitats. Ukrainian frogs offer a diverse range of characteristics, behaviors, and appearances, making each encounter with them a unique experience. Whether you spot the explosive breeding of the Common Frog, witness the striking color transformation of the Moor Frog, or hear the distinctive calls of the Agile Frog, Pool Frog, Edible Frog, Marsh Frog, or Eastern Tree Frog, these encounters will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. So get out there, and don’t forget to share your Ukrainian frog sightings with us!