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Frogs and Toads of England

England is home to various frogs and toads.

Frogs

Ranidae – True Frog family

The True Frogs are your typical frogs, generally smooth skin with long legs.

Common Name: European Brown Frog
Scientific Name: Rana temporaria
Location: Throughout

The European Brown Frog has a dark bar behind its eyes and on its legs that help identify it.

Common Name: Pool Frog
Scientific Name: Pelophylax lessonae
Location: Norfolk

The Pool Frog went extinct in the UK in the 1990’s but they have been re-introduced.

Toads

Bufonidae – True Toad family

The True Toads are your typical toad with warty skin and short legs. They usually have a parotid gland behind their eyes that contain a poison. It is not advised to let your dog eat these guys.

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Nattarjack Toad(Epidalea calamita)

Common Name: Nattarjack Toad
Scientific Name: Epidalea calamita
Location: Sand dunes along the Merseyside coast, the Cumbrian coast, and on the Scottish Solway

The Nattarjack has a bold yellow line down the center of its back, differing from the Common Toad. They are usually smaller than the Common Toad as well.

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Common Toad (Bufo bufo)

Common Name: Common Toad
Scientific Name: Bufo bufo
Location: Throughout

The most wide spread of the frogs and toads of England.

Invasive Species

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Common Midwife Toad (Alytes obstetricans)

Common Name: Common Midwife Toad
Scientific Name: Alytes obstericans
Location: Southern part

Originally introduced in Bedford in the 19th century, the toad has spread out a bit.

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Marsh Frog (Pelophylax ridibundus)

Common Name: Marsh Frog
Scientific Name: Pelophylax ridibundus
Location: Southeastern part

The Marsh Frog is the largest frog native to Europe but sadly, they have been introduced to England. Their size allows them to predate on native species.

American Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)

Common Name: American Bullfrog
Scientific Name: Rana catesbeiana
Location: Southeast England

The American Bullfrog is native to the eastern United States but has spread around the world due to demand for its legs.

Edible Frog (Pelophylax esculentus)

Common Name: Edible Frog
Scientific Name: Pelophylax esculentus
Location: Southeastern England

The Edible Frog appears very similar to the Marsh and the Pool Frog. They can even breed with them, making it hard to differentiate between them.

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