Interspecific spawning between Common frogs (Rana temporaria) and Common toads (Bufo bufo)

The interaction between Common frogs (Rana temporaria) and Common toads (Bufo bufo) during the breeding season was studied at a small pond on Portland, Dorset. Although the frogs started and finished spawning earlier than the toads there was a period during which interspecific spawning between female toads and male frogs took place. This appears to have resulted from reduced male toad activity caused by the cold breeding season given that spatial, temporal and behavioural species separation did not occur.