We are lucky to have a lot of European Tree Frogs at the campsite. They are also known as the common tree frog and have a wide-range across much of Europe.

They have bright, lime green skin across their body and sticky pads on the toes which can be used to climb trees.

These frogs hunt for insects and have a strong leap to catch insects.

In late spring the males gather at the breeding ponds and begin to call in hopes of attracting a mate who will then deposit up to 2000 eggs.

What to European Tree Frogs look like?

If you go to the swimming pool area early in the morning, you are likely to see some. The skin of a tree frog is bright, lime green across the back. They have white on the underside. The skin is smooth. This coloration is variable across the year. After the winter hibernation they tend to be a grey-brown colour. A dark stripe runs through the eye and down the back.

They have large golden eyes with a black, horizontal pupil.

European tree frogs have slightly webbed toes and their toes end with adhesive discs to help them with climbing trees. They use these to stick to our umbrellas. We often find them sticking to the pole or the cross rails in the mornings.

An average length for this frog is between 3 and 4.5 cm long with a weight of 8 g

Males have a large the vocal sac with dark skin folds and wrinkles under the throat.

What Do They Eat?

They are carnivores seeking out insets such as flies and moths.

They have a strong leap which will allow them to catch flying insects.

Where Do They Live?

The European tree frog lives in Europe. They are now one of the most widespread frogs in Europe. Two countries that do not have them are UK and The Netherlands. In both countries there are programmes to try to re-establish them.

Reproduction

Mating takes place in late spring. The males will sit at the edge of a pond or on plants at the edge of the water and call to mates. They have a large air sac which helps to amplify their call. This can inflate up to the size of the frog. That is why their calls are so loud in April.

Behaviour

These animals are excellent climbers with special pads on the toes to help them climb.

European tree frogs are primarily active by night with an increase in activity after periods of rain.

To find out more about European Tree Frogs see Animalia. You can find out about other nature at the campsite on our #Nature pages.

For more nature posts see Roe Deer, Golden Jackals and Storks.