Early spring is a busy time in the pond as it’s time for frogs to find a mate and breed

By Ben Hoare

Published: Friday, 24 March 2023 at 12:00 am

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Just how do frogs mate? And when do females release their spawn? We explain…

What is spawn?

Spawn means release of eggs

When does spawning take place?

Frogspawn has always been one of the earliest and most eagerly anticipated signs of spring, but with a trend for milder winters you may spot it earlier than ever. Late January and early February records are certainly not uncommon.

“Usually, spawning begins in the south-west, then advances across the country in a north-westerly direction, moving around frost pockets,” says John Buckley of the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust. “Day length and air temperature fire the starting gun. Keep an eye on your thermometer for when it hits 5°C.”

Frogs can breed in colder conditions than toads, which mate from March onwards when the temperature reaches 7°C; also unlike toads, frogs hibernate in or near their breeding ponds, so there is no need to migrate there first. There are obvious advantages to starting the breeding season early, but frogs can only spawn once each year – any spawn lost to freezing weather is not replaced.

• How to tell the difference between a common frog and a common toad
• Are frogs and toads at risk of extinction?
• How to rear froglets in your home

How do frogs mate?

In most species of frog the male frog fertilises the egg outside as the female lays them.

To do this males need to attract the females to them, and do so by croaking. If successful the male grips his mate tightly in a hold called amplexus, using a soft swelling on the inner finger of each front foot, known as the nuptial pad, to cling on. The male uses his rear legs to kick rivals away, instead of gripping the female. Spawning mostly occurs at night and is rapid, lasting seconds.