Lake Stymphalia | |
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East view of the Lake
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Coordinates | 37°51′04″N 22°27′40″E / 37.85111°N 22.46111°ECoordinates: 37°51′04″N 22°27′40″E / 37.85111°N 22.46111°E |
Basin countries | Greece |
Lake Stymphalia (Greek: Λίμνη Στυμφαλία - pron. "Límnē Stymphalía") is located in the north-eastern part of the Peloponnese, in Corinthia, southern Greece. It is a Wetlands area, a popular farming area. Usually this area around the lake is fairly dry underfoot. In certain weather conditions thousands of small green frogs hide in the damp grass from the aquatic snakes. These frogs are invisible in the grass until you almost step on them, at which they jump out of the way, usually landing on another frog which also jumps. The effect is of ripples of frogs travelling outwards with every step. The area is rich in birds, amphibians and plant life. Other wildlife, such as weasels, can also be seen.
The area is also mentioned in Greek Mythology, due to the Stymphalian birds, which infested the Arcadian woods near the lake. Heracles' sixth labour was to exterminate them.