# Lake Frog (Pelophylax ridibundus)

- Web page: https://www.funwildfacts.com/norden/amphibian/lake-frog
- Published: 2026-05-30
- Last updated: 2026-05-30

## Overview

The lake frog is one of Europe's loudest and most vibrant frog species. With its robust body and characteristic laughing call, it is easily recognizable at lakes and ponds during spring and summer. Females can grow up to 17 centimeters long, making it one of the largest frogs in Northern Europe, while males are somewhat smaller. Coloration varies from light green to brown with dark spots on the back, and the belly is white or yellowish. A distinctive feature is the long hind legs that make them excellent jumpers and swimmers.

The lake frog prefers large, permanent water bodies such as lakes, ponds, slow-flowing rivers, and canals with abundant aquatic vegetation. Unlike many other frog species, it is strongly tied to water and spends much of its life there, even outside the breeding season. They are excellent swimmers and can dive and hide in the water when danger threatens. During warm seasons, they can often be seen sitting on water lily pads or at the water's edge basking in the sun.

Their diet consists mainly of insects, arachnids, snails, and worms, but larger individuals can also eat small fish, young frogs, and even small birds. The lake frog hunts actively both on land and in water, using its sticky tongue to catch prey in a lightning-fast attack. They have a good appetite and can consume large amounts of food during the summer months.

The lake frog was introduced to Sweden during the 20th century and has since spread to several locations, mainly in the southern and central parts of the country. Established populations also exist in Denmark and Finland. The species is very resilient and can adapt to different environments, which has made it successful in its new home ranges. However, it can compete with native frog species for resources.

## Quick facts

- Weight: 15–200 g
- Length: 6–17 cm
- Lifespan: 5–12 yrs
- Diet: Insectivore
- Conservation Status: Least Concern

## Habitat

The lake frog thrives best in large, permanent water bodies such as lakes, ponds, slow-flowing rivers, and canals. They prefer aquatic environments with abundant vegetation such as reeds, water lilies, and other aquatic plants that provide both shelter and basking spots. Unlike many other frog species, the lake frog is strongly tied to water and spends most of the year there, even outside the breeding season. They can be found in both natural environments and in artificial ponds, park water features, and garden ponds.

On land, they are often seen in moist meadows, wetland margins, and grasslands near water. During warm summer days, they like to bask on stones, logs, or water lily pads near the water surface, always ready to jump into the water if danger approaches. The lake frog is well adapted to both fresh and brackish water, allowing it to establish itself in various types of aquatic environments from inland lakes to coastal lagoons.

- Wetland
- Lake
- River
- Grassland
- Farmland

## Seasonal Behavior

The lake frog awakens from hibernation during March–April when water temperature rises above 8–10 degrees Celsius. The mating season begins in April–May and often continues until early June, when the males' loud laughing calls fill the air at ponds and lakes. Eggs hatch after 4–10 days depending on water temperature, and tadpoles spend 2–4 months in the water before metamorphosis is complete. During late summer and autumn, they eat intensively to build up fat reserves for winter. In October–November, they burrow into the mud at the bottom of lakes and ponds where they hibernate until spring.

## Breeding

- Incubation: 4 days
- Offspring: 1000–12000 

## Behavior & Ecology

- Activity Pattern: Diurnal
- Social Behavior: Lake frogs are gregarious during the breeding season and gather in large groups at suitable spawning sites. Males are territorial and defend their territories with loud calls.
- Migration: Partial Migrant
- Population: Stable and locally common throughout much of its range

## Did you know?

- The lake frog's call sounds like a laughing "keck-keck-keck" that can be heard several hundred meters away!
- Males have special vocal sacs at the corners of their mouths that they fill with air to amplify their calls during mating season.
- A single female can lay between 1,000 and 12,000 eggs per year, depending on her size and health.
- Lake frogs can survive winter by burrowing into the mud at the bottom of lakes and ponds where they hibernate.
- They have excellent swimming abilities thanks to their long, powerful hind legs with webbing between the toes.
- Lake frogs can live up to 12 years in the wild, which is unusually long for a frog.
- During the larval stage as tadpoles, they can take 2–4 months before transforming into small frogs with legs.
- The lake frog is one of the few frog species that can actively hunt prey underwater, not just on land.

## Taxonomy

- Kingdom: Animalia
- Class: Amphibia
- Order: Anura
- Family: Ranidae
- Species: Pelophylax ridibundus

## Image

- URL: https://images.djurfakta.com/animals/sjogroda/1778084091709-1.jpg
- Photo: Marie-Lan Nguyen

- License: CC BY 2.5

## Other languages

- sv: https://www.djurfakta.com/norden/amphibian/sjogroda
- da: https://www.dyrefakta.com/da/norden/amphibian/so-lovfro
- no: https://www.dyrefakta.com/norden/amphibian/innsjofrosk