Edible frog species complex

Edible frog species complex

Includes two species common in Latvia and Lithuania (pond frog – P. lessonae, green frog – P. esculentus) and one rarer (lake frog – P. ridibundus), which intersect with each other and form mixed populations. They live mainly in water bodies and in their immediate vicinity, sometimes in wet terrestrial habitats. The only Latvian amphibians with external resonators, which are located in the corners of the mouth and inflate during howling. It feeds mainly on small terrestrial invertebrates living in the coastal zone (insects, their larvae, spiders, slugs). They reproduce in May, although the croaking of males can be heard even until autumn. An important food object for many mammals, birds, reptiles (grass snakes).