FAQs about frogs and toads: which species?

Natterjack toads have a yellow stripe (Fred Holmes)

WILDLIFE INFORMATION SERVICE

Frequently Asked Questions about... frogs and toads:

What species of frog / toad have I seen?

There are two native frog species in the UK and two native toad species.

The common frog is the amphibian most likely to be found in your garden; they are widespread and found in a variety of habitats, including quite urban gardens. Common frogs are noticeable for their long jumps after being disturbed. They have smooth skin, a patch behind the eye and long stripy legs. They tend to be green or brown (although can be cream, orange, red or black) and often have random black spots (like 'ink blots').

The pool frog became extinct in the UK but has since been reintroduced to a site in East Anglia. It differs from the common frog by being generally darker in colour, having a slightly pointier face and by often having a yellow stripe down the back.

The common toad is also widespread. They tend to crawl rather than making 'frog-like' leaps. When disturbed, toads tend to remain still. They have rough, warty skin, golden eyes and two distinctive lumps behind the eyes (called parotoid glands).

The natterjack toad (pictured above) is rare and only found in sand dunes, sandy heath and coastal grazing marshes. They're smaller than common toads, often have a thin stripe down the back and have shorter legs which they use for short bursts of running; they also have a very loud call.

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