Iberian parsley frog

About the Iberian parsley frog

The Iberian parsley frog (Pelodytes ibericus) is a species of frogs in the family Pelodytidae, known as "parsley frogs" because of their green speckles. This species is only found in Portugal and Spain; in Spanish it is known as sapillo moteado ibérico.

Adult Iberian parsley frogs attain a length of about 4 centimetres (1.6 in) and look very similar to the common parsley frog (Pelodytes punctatus, its sister species) but are a little smaller with shorter limbs. The skin is smooth or granular with a scattering of dark-coloured tubercles. The dorsal surface varies from olive, greenish-brown, dark brown or greenish-grey and is flecked with green specks. The undersurface is white or cream and the throat of breeding males is dark-coloured.

The Iberian parsley frog is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. It is quite common in suitable habitats in Spain but seems to be rare in Portugal. It occurs in open areas, under bushes, among scattered trees, in salt marshes, fields and gardens. It can continue to live in intensively farmed areas.

Breeding takes place in the spring, often after heavy rain. Eggs are laid in ponds, ditches,... Wikipedia →