An abundance of spawn will soon lead to a frog and toad boom, but can you tell the difference? asks Swindon Range David Boase

Take a close look in ponds and puddles of all sizes at the moment, and you might just catch an eyeful of the lovely gelatinous gloop that is frog and toad spawn.

Since the beginning of March, frogs and toads have been leaving the protection of their winter hibernation spots. As if by magic, something has told them that the time was right to go and find a mate, the pheromones given off by females of the species leading to frenzied displays of courtship in the most unusual places.

By now though, many amorous amphibians have done what they must do to produce this year’s generation and have returned to a quiet life of eating invertebrates and staying cool, leaving their eggs to grow and develop. Like something from another planet, it is amazing to think that these miniature islands of tapioca already contain all the instructions and ingredients to create this year’s abundance of tad and toadpoles.

The struggle is far from over for the soon to be tadpoles though. They really are at the bottom of the pond food chain, and must avoid being eaten by birds, invertebrates, fish and newts if they are to reach adulthood, when they themselves become veracious predators in their own right.

Common frog - Common toad. What’s the difference?

Frogs and toads are quite similar, and this can cause confusion, but it’s easy to tell them apart, once you know what to look for.

• Skin - Frogs have smooth, slimy skin, with splodges behind their eyes and stripes on their back and legs. Toads are much drier though, with a warty appearance and a uniform, muddy colour.

• Eyes – A frog’s pupils are the shape of a rugby ball, pointed at the corners, but those of a toad are more like a narrow letterbox, surrounded by a golden iris.

• Movement – Although a frog will walk a short way, they much prefer to hop, especially if they are startled. Toads, on the other hand, like to walk or run to get where they’re going, and if startled will stay put.

There are in fact loads of other differences between frogs and toads, like frogs spending more time in water, toads having big glands on the side of their heads, and puffing themselves up when threatened. But the three simple points above are the best place to start, and should have you well on the way to telling them apart at a glance. Why not visit a pond near you to see if you can spot the difference?