British Reptiles and Amphibians 



shoulder. The vocal sacs at the angle of the mouth 

 are absent in the Common species. These sacs are 

 visibly extended during the operation of croaking, 

 while the faint line which extends along the back of 

 the Edible Frog is entirely absent in Rana temporaria. 



The markings of the Edible Frog are very distinct 

 and pronounced. It is also larger than the Common 

 species, and has quite a resonant voice. It seems to 

 be far more aquatic than its compeer, taking kindly to 

 pools, ponds, ditches, or, indeed, any marsh or moist 

 spots on the landscape. 



More minutely considered, the Edible Frog has its 

 toes cylindrical, bulging at the tips, and the webs some- 

 what notched. The fourth toe of the hind-foot is 

 about one-fourth longer than the third and fifth. The 

 head is triangular, nostrils midway between the eye 

 and muzzle, teeth on palate and in line with the nasal 

 openings, tongue broad, colour green, and length about 

 3 inches. In southern countries its range is limited 

 to eastern parts. It dines on Worms, Snails, insects, 

 and the like, not objecting to even its own kind in the 

 earlier stages of their existence. 



This species is occasionally spoken of as the Green 

 Frog, in opposition to the Common (Brown) Frog, and 

 Bell mentions it as the Scottish Frog, but all the three 

 names indicate the same species. 



Our Amphibians, which are also known as Batra- 

 chians, are good subjects for the vivarium ; they must 



