Rana graeca Boulenger, 1891

Nomenclature and Classification

The Greek stream frog, also called simply the Greek frog, has the scientific name Rana graeca Boulenger, 1891. It is a species of frog in the family Ranidae, found in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Turkey.

Natural Habitats

Its natural habitats are temperate forests, temperate grassland, rivers, intermittent rivers, freshwater springs, and pastureland.

Conservation Status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature does not consider this species threatened.

Reproductive Frequency and Timing

Greek stream frogs reproduce only once a year. Their reproductive period starts shortly after hibernation in February, and ends in April.

Male Calling Behavior

During reproduction, males produce calls that can come from either below or above the water surface, with calling happening mainly during the night. Males may also call during the day depending on water temperature.

Mating Site Preferences

The species prefers calling and mating sites that are safe and hidden, such as dark crevices in the stream bank under roots or stones.

Egg Laying and Mass Characteristics

After mating, egg masses are attached to the roof of a cavity. Each egg mass holds between 200 and 2000 individual eggs.

Egg Physical Traits

The eggs themselves are 2 to 3.5 millimetres in diameter, and are surrounded by a protective gelatinous envelope that measures 4 to 7 millimetres across.

Egg Guarding Behavior

Observations suggest that males may guard the eggs for some period of time.

Larval Development

Newly hatched larvae are around 9 millimetres in length, and grow to 45 millimetres over two to three months, though cooler water temperatures can slow their development.

Sexual Maturity

Young Greek stream frogs reach sexual maturity after their third hibernation.