Early Frogspawn Sightings: A Sign of the Times?
As autumn deepens and temperatures begin to drop, our amphibians and reptiles are settling into their overwintering routines. In recent weeks, we’ve explored how these species prepare for the colder months, from their varying hibernation habits to the fascinating structures, like hibernaculum, where they take refuge until spring.
But did you know that November can sometimes bring surprising sightings of common frogspawn in the south of England?
Typically, common frogs (Rana temporaria) begin breeding as spring approaches, with spawn sightings most common from January through to March depending on regional climate. However, there have been increasing reports, particularly from Cornwall, of frogspawn appearing as early as November, well before winter has even begun in earnest.
So, what’s going on?
This unusual behaviour could be a response to the milder autumns and winters that the UK now experiences more frequently. Warmer conditions may confuse frogs into thinking that spring has arrived early. Alternatively, it could represent an evolutionary strategy, an attempt to gain an early start in the breeding season. However, this comes with significant risks: sudden drops in temperature could freeze the spawn, threatening its survival.
Such changes in breeding behaviour may be one of many signs of how amphibians are adapting, or struggling to adapt, to the effects of climate change. Seasonal shifts and unpredictable weather patterns are reshaping their natural cues, and we’re only beginning to understand the consequences.
That’s why monitoring these trends is so vital. At Froglife, we rely on public sightings and citizen science to help us track changes in amphibian and reptile behaviour across the UK.
You can make a real difference by submitting your observations using our free Dragon Finder App, available on both Android and iPhone. Every record helps us protect these remarkable species and understand how they’re responding to a changing world.