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Everything you need to know about... Frog Lifecycles



Frogs are fascinating creatures that undergo one of nature’s most dramatic transformations. From tiny eggs to hopping adults, their life cycle is a complex and captivating journey that offers insight into the wonders of metamorphosis. In this blog, we’ll explore the stages of a frog's life, from the early days as an aquatic tadpole to the moment they take their first leap onto land. Join us as we dive into the stages of growth, change, and survival that define the frog's remarkable journey.


Tadpoles developing in their eggs
Tadpoles developing in their eggs

Step 1: Laying eggs

A frog’s lifecycle starts in early spring with clumps of tiny eggs with little black dots covered in a jelly-like, nutritious substance. This substance, called frogspawn, protects the growing eggs from predators and keeps them moist. These freshly laid eggs float around bodies of water, developing for 1-3 weeks from tiny black dots into the beginnings of a tadpole, where they grow their tails.

 

DID YOU KNOW… Female frogs can lay up to 4,000 eggs at a time, yet only around 1 in every 50 eggs make it through the various growth stages.

 

A tadpole, with a long tail and legs
A tadpole, with a long tail and legs

Step 2: Tadpoles

After those 1-3 weeks of development, the eggs hatch and tadpoles emerge! Growth at this stage is much more physically obvious. They grow hind legs and they start growing lungs so that they can breathe in and out of the water. These tadpoles initially eat the yolk of their egg and then move on to nearby plant material.

 

Then, for the next 14 weeks, the tadpoles go through an intense period of metamorphosis to become froglets. Their tail shrinks away, skin grows over their gills, and they grow front legs. Tadpoles, amazingly, can control the rate of their transformation. If they feel a threat from predators, they metamorphose faster to make their escape, and if it’s colder they will slow their development for up to a year. There is then a 24-hour period where their metamorphosis is finally complete and they are officially froglets!

 

DID YOU KNOW… A study found that of 720 species of frogs studied, a few hundred species completely miss the tadpole stage. This is a reproductive mode called ‘direct development’.

 

A fully grown frog!
A fully grown frog!

Step 3: Fully formed frog

These froglets look much more like what we recognise as frogs at this stage. It can take up to 4 years for froglets to mature into adult frogs properly. Now that their hind legs are fully formed and their lungs have finished developing, they can venture out above water. They spend their time hunting for bugs and can go in and out of the water as they please. They tend to go into the water to ensure their delicate skin doesn’t dry out.

 

Once they reach maturation, usually between 2 and 3 years old, they will begin to reproduce and continue this extraordinary lifecycle.  

 

FUN FACT: The biggest frog species in the world, the Goliath Frog, can weigh as much as a newborn baby (around 7lbs/3.2kg). Now that’s some serious growth!


How to attract frogs to your garden

  • Provide areas of still water, like ponds. Adding algae to the pond will also nourish tadpoles.

  • Create shady, damp areas from leaves, log piles, upturned plant pots, and native vegetation for frogs to hide in

  • Avoid using harsh chemicals and pesticides in your garden. Frogs breathe through their skin so are especially sensitive.

  • Attract insects to your garden, so frogs will have plenty to eat!


Want to learn more about the lifecycles of various animals? Well, you're in luck! We have a bespoke workshop all about lifecycles! Get in touch to book your session today!



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