Perhaps it’s fond childhood memories of lazy summer days spent wandering along the banks of the canal in search of tadpoles, or the sheer wonderment as I watched the tiny black ‘blobs’ develop into tadpoles then perfect miniature frogs, but I think frog spawn is fascinating.

Every spring I now start my children on their very own froggy adventure as we go in search of these curious masses of transparent jelly. February and March is the best time to do this. As we head towards spring, night time temperatures begin to rise and adult frogs come out of hibernation and congregate at ponds to breed. They can lay up to 5000 eggs.

What is frog spawn?

Frogspawn is the name of the clumps of eggs laid by frogs. It is a jelly-like substance, and, if you look closely you will see that each egg has a tiny black blob in the middle. This will eventually develop into a frog.

Where can you find frog spawn?

Frogspawn is laid in clumps below the surface of the water in ponds and slow moving streams, especially amongst reeds by the water’s edge.

Frog or Toad Spawn?

People often ask how you tell the difference between frog and toad spawn. Frog spawn is always laid in clumps whereas toad spawn is laid in long chains like a string of pearls draped over pond plants.

Why are there so many eggs?

Unfortunately only a tiny fraction of the eggs will survive to become adult frogs and toads. This is because they have so many predators and are prone to various amphibian diseases.

When do they hatch?

The tadpoles hatch after about three weeks then take a further 14 weeks to transform into tiny frogs known as froglets. Toad tadpoles take a little bit longer, becoming toadlets after about two months.

Can I move frog spawn?

The short answer is no. By moving spawn or tadpoles into a different pond it could spread amphibian diseases and non-native plant species. If a pond is suitable for frogs and toads they will find it by themselves.

How can I encourage frogs and toads in my garden?

You could create a mini pond this spring. Or if you don’t want to have a pond, log piles, stones and compost heaps are all good for providing shelter and slugs and insects for the frogs and toads to eat.

For more information on frogs & Dragonfinder project go to www.Froglife.org

Denise Neely, Countryside Ranger

Denise has been a Countryside Ranger for Glasgow City Council for over 16 years. Based in Pollok Country Park, she delivers environmental education to schools, nurseries and university students, leads guided walks and undertakes wildlife surveys. She has a BSc (hons) in Geography and a MSc in Environmental Management.