IDENTIFICATION  

It is an anuran (amphibian without a tail in adult stage), small (up to 4 cm in total length) with flattened head, rounded snout and relatively large eyes with vertical pupils. Its main feature is its back is covered in small warts and green spots, standing out from the ochre or earthy background color. Its elongated extremities stand out. The tadpole or larva is sturdy (up to 6 cm in total length), and its eyes are located on the top of the head. The dorsal area is greyish brown whereas the ventral area is whitish. The tail is very long, with a low ridge, ending in a point.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE (HABITAT)

This species prefers open areas, cleared of vegetation. For reproduction, it usually uses temporary ponds, accumulations of water in gutters, abandoned quarries or other marginal and sporadic wetlands. It withstands certain salinity in the water, being able to reproduce in salt areas of the northern province.

HOW DOES IT LIVE?

It is a toad with nocturnal and very terrestrial habits, except during the reproduction period, when it goes to the water and can even sing by day. It is a very discrete species, quite difficult to locate outside the breeding season, since it tends to move away from the ponds where it breeds and is active only on rainy or very wet nights. The Iberian parsley frogs feed on small invertebrates, while the larvae consume algae, aquatic plants and organic detritus.

HOW DOES IT REPRODUCE?

The reproduction period varies according to the weather and climate of each place, with males heard singing in the province between October and April. However, the months of greatest activity range from January to March. The males first arrive at the ponds and attract the females there with their characteristic songs. During the coupling, the female deposits from 500 to 1000 eggs embedded in thick and short gelatinous cords, winding it up the aquatic plants with a characteristic arrangement. A week after laying, the larvae hatch and start developing until their metamorphosis period that can vary from a month and a half to three months.

WHERE CAN WE SEE IT IN MALAGA AND ON THE STAGES OF THE GREAT PATH?

This species has an unequal distribution throughout the province, as it is not really common. It is well represented in northern and western Malaga. In the Great Path, we can find it on stages 9 to 20, 22 to 26, 29, 30 and 32.

LEVEL OF PROTECTION - THREAT (INVENTORY)

It is part of the Andalusian Wildlife Species under Special Protection List. There are reasons to believe that the Iberian parsley frog has seen its distribution area reduced in Malaga, especially in agricultural areas due to the disappearance and contamination of the small wetlands it uses for reproduction.

CURIOUS FACTS

The Iberian parsley frog is a very discrete species. It is usually easier to hear than to see. The song emitted by males sounds like a very characteristic squeak that can be reminiscent of opening a wine bottle.

SIMILAR SPECIES (IT CAN BE MISTAKEN WITH...) 

It can be confused with the Bética midwife toad, although both species hardly coincide in their provincial distribution area. The midwife toads are stubby and have much shorter limbs and fingers. It can also be mistaken with the Perez's frog and the Iberian painted frog. The vertical pupil is very useful to recognize the Iberian parsley frog. The larvae are easy to confuse with the southern Iberian painted frog's ones, although the latter are smaller and darker and have a lower caudal crest, with the tail having a more rounded end.