Biometrical and Serological Evidence for the Occurrence of Three Phenotypes of Green Frogs (Rana Esculenta Complex) in the Netherlands

Abstract

Serological and biometrical properties of 183 green frogs from two different localities in the Netherlands were examined, in order to assess whether they belong to one or more of the three forms of Rana esculenta complex (lessonae, esculenta and ridibunda). Three albumin patterns were found which, using discriminant analysis, could be predicted with sufficient reliability on the basis of a few biometrical measures. It is stated that a frog can only be identified on the basis of agreement between its biometrical and serological characterization. In this way 160 frogs could be iden- tified. It is concluded that lessonae, esculenta and ridibunda occur in the Netherlands.