The frog life cycle starts with mating. When frogs mate, the male frog climbs on the females back and clasps the females body in an embrace called amplexus, which can last several days. This usually occurs in water, though some species mate on land. Some species indulge in complicated courting procedures prior to mating, while others simply mate with whatever is available. In the amplexus position, the male frog fertilizes the eggs as they get are laid. Frogs lay their eggs in water or wet places, and a floating clump of eggs is called frog spawn. Frogs lay very large numbers of eggs as many are lost to predators. Some frogs tend their eggs but most leave the mass of frog spawn. The large and slippery mass of eggs are too big to be eaten. This is nature's way of protecting them. But, the smaller clumps of eggs will be eaten by the creatures living near or in the pond. About 6-21 days after being fertilized, the egg will hatch. After hatching, the tadpole still feeds on the remaining yolk. The tadpole at this point consists of poorly developed gills, a mouth, and a tail, and will stick themselves to floating weeds or grasses in the water using little sticky organs between its' mouth and belly area. Then, 7 to 10 days after the tadpole has hatched, it will begin to swim around and feed on algae. After about 4 weeks, the gills start getting grown over by skin, until they eventually disappear. The tadpoles grow teeth which help them grate food and they have long coiled guts that help them digest nutrients. By the fourth week, tadpoles can be fairly social creatures; some even interact and school like fish. After about 6 to 9 weeks, the head becomes more distinct, and feet start to appear. Their diet now includes larger items like dead insects and plants. After about 9 weeks, the tadpole looks like a small frog with a really long tail. At 12 weeks, the tadpole has only a small tail stub and looks like a miniature version of the adult frog. The frog will live mostly on land, with occasional swims. The tiny frogs begin to catch and eat insects and worms. Eventually, it will find a mate. The way this is done varies depending on the species. The female lays the eggs, the male fertilizes them, and the whole process begins again.
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Picture of the eggs of a bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, in a pond
Picture #: 023229 |
Stock photo of green frog, Rana clamitans melanota, tadpoles encased in eggs prior to hatching. Central Ohio
Picture #: 104727 |
Image of green frog, Rana clamitans melanota, tadpoles emerging from their egg cases. Central Ohio
Picture #: 104730 |
Photo of the tadpole of an American bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana
Picture #: 088120 |
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Picture of the tadpole stage of an American bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana
Picture #: 083630 |
Stock photo of the tadpole stage of an American bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana
Picture #: 083631 |
Image of the tadpole stage of an American bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana
Picture #: 065830 |
Photo of the tadpole of an American bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, in a freshwater lake
Picture #: 083025 |
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Picture of the green frog, Rana clamitans melanota, tadpole
Picture #: 065844 |
Stock photo of the tadpole stage of an American bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, close-up of head
Picture #: 083632 |
Image of the tadpole stage of an American bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, showing emergence of hind legs in its transition from tadpole to adult frog
Picture #: 065819 |
Photo of the tadpole of an American bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, showing emergence of hind legs in its transition from tadpole to adult frog
Picture #: 065831 |
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Picture of the tadpole of an American bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, showing a conspicous bulge from which it's front legs will emerge in its transition from tadpole to adult frog
Picture #: 065834 |
Stock photo of the tadpole stage of an American bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, showing emergence of front and back legs in its transition from tadpole to adult frog
Picture #: 065833 |
Image of the tadpole stage of an American bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, showing emergence of hind legs in its transition from tadpole to adult frog
Picture #: 065832 |
Photo of the tadpole of an American bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, showing emergence of front and hind legs in its transition from tadpole to adult frog
Picture #: 065836 |
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Picture of the tadpole of an American bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, showing emergence of hind legs in its transition from tadpole to adult frog
Picture #: 065849 |
Stock photo of the tadpole stage of an American bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, showing emergence of front and back legs in its transition from tadpole to adult frog. Gills can still be seen near the front legs
Picture #: 065837 |
Image of the tadpole stage of an American bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, showing emergence of hind legs in its transition from tadpole to adult frog
Picture #: 065838 |
Photo of the tadpole of an American bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, showing emergence of front and hind legs in its transition from tadpole to adult frog
Picture #: 065839 |
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