The pool frog (Pelophylax lessonae) is a small, semi-aquatic amphibian found across parts of Europe, including Scandinavia, the Baltic States, and central Europe. It is characterized by a green or brownish body with dark spots, a pale yellowish stripe running down its back, and a rounded snout. Males have vocal sacs which they use to produce loud, distinctive calls.
Pool frogs prefer shallow, sunlit freshwater habitats such as ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams with abundant aquatic vegetation. They are excellent swimmers and are often seen basking near water. Their diet includes a variety of small invertebrates, such as insects, spiders, and worms.
Breeding occurs in spring and early summer, with males vocalizing to attract females. Eggs are laid in clusters attached to aquatic plants, and the resulting tadpoles develop in water before metamorphosing into juveniles.
Although the pool frog is generally resilient, it faces threats from habitat loss, water pollution, and competition with introduced species. Conservation efforts focus on habitat restoration and maintaining clean, natural waterways. This species plays a vital role in its ecosystem by controlling insect populations and serving as prey for larger predators, such as waterfowl.
