Common frog

When: Sping, summer

Scientific name: Rana temporaria

Gaelic name: losgann, smaigean, leumach

Scots Name: puddock, paddock

Size: Adults are between 9 - 13cm long

Where to find them in the Inner Forth: Along burns and streams, Valleyfield Woods, RSPB Black Devon Wetlands, garden ponds

The common frog is a well loved visitor to many garden ponds, whose life cycle is a fascinating subject for young and old alike. Although many of us are familiar with this little amphibian, it is worth taking a moment to stop and again consider its miraculous journey, from tiny speck in a clump of eggs through to fully formed frogs, in a number of weeks!

A pair of beady eyes peaking above the water can often be spotted in spring, with ponds teeming with copulating couples in March and April. Large clumps of spawn take around three weeks to hatch into wriggling swarms of tadpoles, that then feed on plant matter present in the freshwater. The young take around three months to grow and develop into their familiar adult form, eventually sporting their intricately patterned olive green skin and tell tale dark eye 'mask'. Adults spend the winter sheltering under rocks, in compost heaps or at the bottom of ponds, although on warmer days you may spot the odd brave soul hopping around in search of food, as they take advantage of the warmer weather to forage.

It was once said that frogs were the soul-formers of the Sillars clan, appearing in dreams and folk tales. Although frogs were typically associated with witchcraft and black magic in the middle ages, they have survived the test of time and become some of our most treasured wildlife sightings around the Inner Forth!

Find out more about these admirable amphibians by visiting: http://www.froglife.org/info-advice/amphibians-and-reptiles/common-frog-2/

Photo: RSPB Images