User:Moorfrogger

Moor frog
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Ranidae
Genus:	Rana
Species:	R. arvalis
Binomial name
Rana arvalis Nilsson, 1842

Male specimen can be coloured blue for a small period of two or three days a year

The Moor Frog (Rana arvalis) is a slim, reddish-brown, semi-aquatic amphibian native to Europe and Asia. It is a member of the family Ranidae, or "true frogs".

Taxonomy

The moor frog’s scientific name is Rana arvalis meaning “frog of the fields” . It is also called the altai brown frog because frogs from the Altai Mountains in Asia have been included in the Rana arvalis species. The altai frogs have some different characteristics like shorter shins, but currently there is no official distinction and all frogs are placed under Rana arvalis. The taxonomy may be more defined in the future.

Physical description

They are characterized by an unspotted belly, a large, dark ear spot and - often, not always - a pale stripe down the center of the back. They are generally described as a reddish-brown, but can also be yellow, gray, or light olive. They vary from 5.5 to 6 cm long but can reach up to 7 cm in length and their heads are more tapered than those of the European Common frog, (Rana temporaria). Their feet are partially webbed. Their back legs are shorter than those of other species of frogs.

Habitat

The frogs can be found inhabiting an area stretching from the lowlands of Central and South Europe to Siberia. Alsace, France constitutes the western boundary of their territory. They prefer damp meadows and bogs.

Breeding

During the mating season (March to April) males can develop bright blue coloration. The spawn is laid in clusters of 1000-2000 eggs in warm, shallow waters such as in ponds. In a given pond, breeding can take between 3 to 28 days.

Population Threats

It faces few major threats and is on the IUCN's Lowest Concern list. Their are problems though with destruction and pollution of its habitat through urbanization, etc. where people overwhelm their environment.

Other Facts

Moor frogs will hibernate somewhere between September and June, depending on the latitude of the location.

The males have a song that sounds similar to that of the Agile Frog, (Rana dalmatina).

There is a video game named "MoorFrog"

References

• "Rana arvalis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2004. 2004. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |assessors= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |downloaded= ignored (help) Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is of least concern
• "Google Books". Concise Encyclopedia of Biology. Retrieved 2006-03-27.
• Large parts of this article were translated from the article Grenouille des champs on the French language Wikipedia.