Species Identification Guide
Learn to identify UK amphibians you might encounter
The UK is home to seven native amphibian species. This guide will help you identify what you find during patrols and ensure accurate reporting.
Species identification guidance based on information from Froglife, our verified affiliate partner in amphibian conservation and education.
Common Toad (Bufo bufo)
Primary FocusAdd photo showing typical coloring and warty skin
Key Features
- Size: 8-13cm (females larger)
- Skin: Dry, warty texture
- Color: Brown, olive, grey (varies)
- Eyes: Copper/gold with horizontal pupils
- Movement: Walks rather than hops
Distinguishing Marks
- Parotoid glands behind eyes (poison glands)
- No dark patch behind eye
- Warty skin more pronounced than frog
- Stockier build than frogs
🏠 Habitat
Woodland, gardens, parks. Breed in ponds but spend most of year on land.
📅 Breeding Season
February to March (mild weather). Mass migrations to breeding ponds.
🌙 Activity
Nocturnal. Most active dusk to midnight during damp, mild weather.
⚠️ Conservation
Protected species. Declining due to habitat loss and road mortality.
Common Frog (Rana temporaria)
Frequently EncounteredAdd photo showing smooth skin and dark patch behind eye
Key Features
- Size: 6-9cm
- Skin: Smooth, moist
- Color: Brown, yellow, olive (very variable)
- Eyes: Dark patch behind eye (key ID feature)
- Movement: Hops in powerful leaps
Distinguishing Marks
- Dark temporal patch behind eye
- Smooth, moist skin
- Long, powerful hind legs
- More streamlined than toads
🏠 Habitat
Gardens, ponds, wetlands. More aquatic than toads.
📅 Breeding Season
January to March. Spawn earlier than toads.
🌙 Activity
Active day and night during breeding. Otherwise nocturnal.
⚠️ Conservation
Protected. Widespread but declining in some areas.
Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita)
Rare - Special InterestAdd photo showing yellow stripe down back
Key Features
- Size: 6-8cm (smaller than Common Toad)
- Skin: Warty, sandy/greenish
- Color: Greenish-yellow with dark markings
- Eyes: Green/yellow with vertical pupils
- Key Feature: YELLOW STRIPE DOWN BACK
Distinguishing Marks
- Yellow/cream stripe down center of back (diagnostic)
- Shorter legs than Common Toad
- Runs rather than walks or hops
- Loud, distinctive call (males)
IMPORTANT: Rare Species!
Natterjacks are extremely rare in the UK and fully protected. If you find one:
- Handle carefully (if necessary)
- Take a photo if possible
- Report immediately to patrol coordinator
- Note exact location
🏠 Habitat
Sandy heaths, coastal dunes. NOT typically in Surrey but report if seen.
📅 Breeding Season
April to June (later than other toads).
🌙 Activity
Nocturnal. Loud mating call can be heard over 1km away.
⚠️ Conservation
ENDANGERED. Fully protected. One of UK's rarest amphibians.
Newts (Three UK Species)
While not toads, you may encounter newts during patrols. All are protected.
Great Crested Newt
- Size: Up to 17cm
- ID: Largest newt; warty skin; orange belly with black spots
- Status: STRICTLY PROTECTED
- Note: Requires special license to handle
Smooth/Common Newt
- Size: Up to 10cm
- ID: Smooth skin; spotted; males have wavy crest in breeding season
- Status: Protected
- Note: Most common newt species
Palmate Newt
- Size: Up to 9cm
- ID: Similar to Smooth; males have webbed hind feet
- Status: Protected
- Note: Prefers acidic waters
Non-Native Species
African Clawed Toad (Xenopus laevis)
INVASIVE SPECIES - DO NOT RELEASE IF FOUND
- Fully aquatic (never leaves water)
- Flattened body
- No tongue or visible ears
- Clawed feet (hence name)
If found: Do not handle. Report to Environment Agency immediately.
American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)
INVASIVE - REPORT IF SEEN
- Much larger than UK frogs (up to 20cm)
- Green/brown coloration
- Very loud "jug-o-rum" call
- Preys on native species
Report any sightings to patrol coordinator and RSPCA.
Quick ID Tips
Look At The Skin
- Dry & warty: Toad
- Moist & smooth: Frog
- Slimy: Newt
Watch Movement
- Walks: Common Toad
- Hops: Common Frog
- Runs: Natterjack Toad
Check For Stripes
- Yellow stripe down back: Natterjack!
- Dark patch behind eye: Common Frog
- No stripe/patch: Common Toad
Note The Size
- Large (8-13cm): Common Toad
- Medium (6-9cm): Common Frog
- Small (6-8cm): Natterjack
Quick Comparison: Common Toad vs Common Frog
| Feature | Common Toad | Common Frog |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Texture | Dry, warty | Smooth, moist |
| Movement | Walks | Hops/leaps |
| Body Shape | Stocky, rounded | Streamlined |
| Hind Legs | Shorter | Long, powerful |
| Temporal Mark | Absent | Dark patch behind eye |
| Breeding Time | Feb-March | Jan-March |
| Spawn | Long strings | Clumps |
| Habitat Preference | More terrestrial | More aquatic |
What to Record
When Reporting a Sighting, Note:
- ☐ Species (or "unsure" if uncertain)
- ☐ Number of individuals
- ☐ Exact location (use What3Words or GPS)
- ☐ Condition (alive, injured, dead)
- ☐ Direction of travel
- ☐ Where found (road, path, pond, grass)
- ☐ Time of sighting
- ☐ Weather conditions
- ☐ Photo if possible (helps confirmation)
Photography Tips
- Take photos from multiple angles
- Include something for scale (coin, hand)
- Focus on distinctive features (eyes, skin pattern, markings)
- Take photos BEFORE handling if possible
- Photos help with later identification
Further Learning
Recommended Apps
- iRecord - Biological Records Centre app
- Amphibian & Reptile Groups UK app
- British Wildlife - Photo ID app
Websites
- Froglife - Our verified affiliate partner, leading UK charity for amphibian conservation
- Amphibian & Reptile Conservation
- Field Studies Council
Books
- "Britain's Reptiles and Amphibians" - Howard Inns
- "Field Guide to Amphibians" - FSC
- "Collins Complete Guide" - Paul Sterry
Start Identifying!
Now you know what to look for, start recording your sightings