lIFE CYCLE
- Spawning: While in the amplexus position (intercourse position), the male frog fertilizes the eggs as they are laid. Females can lay eggs in masses up to 20,000.
- Egg: Life starts right as the central yolk splits in two. It then divides into four, then eight, etc. Soon, the embryo starts to look more and more like a tadpole, getting longer and moving in it's egg. After about 6-21 days after being fertilized, the egg will hatch.
- Tadpole: Shortly after hatching, the tadpole feeds on the remaining yolk, which is actually in it's gut. The tadpole at this point consists of poorly developed gills, a mouth, and a tail. Then, 7-10 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 get tiny teeth which help them grate food, turning it into soupy, oxygenated particles. They have long coiled guts that help them digest as much nutrients from their diets as possible. By the fourth week, tadpoles can actually be fairly social creatures.
- Tadpole w/ Legs: After about 6-9 weeks, tiny legs start to sprout. The head becomes more distinct and the body elongates. By now the diet may grow to include larger items like dead insects and even plants. The arms begin to bulge where they will eventually pop out, elbow first. After about 9 weeks, the tadpole looks more like a tiny frog with a really long tail.
- Froglet: By 12 weeks, the tadpole has only a tail stub. Soon, it will leave the water, only to return again to lay more eggs and start the process all over again.
- Frog: By between 12 to 16 weeks, depending on water and food supply, the frog has completed the full growth cycle.