The Frog Life Cycle

The life cycle of a frog is quite a biological phenomenon! There are over 5,000 species of frogs, but each species has the same process of maturity. Toads, a close relative of the frog, also share this life cycle. In this life cycle, the creature starts as an egg, goes through a fish-like form, and then ends as the hopping, jumping, green frogs we all know!

Frog Spawn

Frog spawn, or frog eggs, are laid in water or very wet areas. There are often thousands of eggs grouped together so that hopefully at least some will survive and not be eaten by a predator. The eggs are surrounded by a clear jelly shell for protection. It takes anywhere between 6-21 days for the eggs to hatch.

Tadpole

The tadpole is the hatched form of the frog spawn. It is like a very small fish or minnow. It only has a tail, gills, and a mouth! Tadpoles eat algae and rely on camouflage to survive in their habitat. Sometimes the water source that the spawn was laid in is not large enough to last when the weather heats up, such as a puddle. When the water evaporates, the tadpoles die.

Developed Tadpole

After about 5 to 9 weeks, the tadpole begins to change. Skin begins to form and cover the gills, so it now has to swim to the surface to breathe. The tadpole also starts to grow legs. First, it will grow hind legs, and then last it will grow front legs. You can compare the size of a tadpole at this stage of the frog life cycle to the penny in this picture.

Froglet

During this stage of the life cycle, the froglet is basically a true frog with a tail. It has barely developed lungs, but can breathe pure oxygen. It can also be on land. It takes about 11 weeks for the frog to get to this point in the cycle.

Frog

After a few days, the froglet's tail will slowly become smaller and smaller until it's no longer there! This is the final stage of the life cycle and the tiny egg has become a true adult frog.

For more information on the frog life cycle, check out these sites!

Frogs of New England - Life Cycle
Life Cycle -Frog Metamorphosis
Frogland - Life Cycle of a Frog