Can I grow a frog? Time will tell. I now know that tadpoles and polliwogs are both names for the early life stage of frogs and they are the subject of my latest learning adventure.
A friend who lives in the country brought me frog eggs last week. They were small black ovals in a clear jelly-like blob. Two days later, I was delighted to see tadpoles swimming in the water.
I did some research to find out how to take care of these wee ones and the information at How to Raise Tadpoles was especially helpful. My current plan is to:
- Provide them with clean non-chlorinated water (preferably rain water).
- Feed them small bits of cooked spinach or lettuce.
- Watch them grow!
The tadpoles are now six days old and about one-half inch long. For a closer look, I used a magnifying glass and was surprised to see details I hadn’t noticed before. I like their mottled coloring, the two big eyes and I’m fascinated by their feathery gills.
I was pleased to be able to capture these details using the macro setting on my small point and shoot camera. This is another instance of how taking a closer look has given me a different perspective and a renewed appreciation for the wonders of nature.
how cool! i never knew a tadpole had those feathery gill things!!
Add this to the fainting goats saga that your daughter did not know about!! Some pretty good pictures though–keep up the good work.
i might have known that tadpoles are vegetarians, i wouldn’t be surprised to find these guys in favor of the new health care bill ………………
those tadpoles are awesome!
Me, too, I am also fascinated by the feathery gills and the delicate green patterning. Can’t wait for pictorial
portraits of their “growing up years”. Uh, and did I miss something? What’s with the “fainting goats” that Wes
mentions?
Yes, Beth, there is such a thing as fainting goats. This is a good website for more information. http://www-personal.umich.edu/~jimknapp/goats.html
What are those feathery gill things on the tadpoles?
Looks like fun! I’ll have to send the kids down to take a peek.
Fascinating! I am sending this on to granddaughter Emily. She loves all things in nature.
Yeah, I remember the fainting goats!
These aren’t frogs, they’re actually salamanders. I think tiger salamanders from their markings. Their care is a bit different from that of frogs.
Christina, thank you for this comment and your email. This is an example of how much I have to learn. I did not know that feathery gills are typical of salamanders and that salamanders do not eat lettuce. I am sad that the ‘tadpoles’ did not survive but I’m glad to have some idea of why. I appreciate the information.
it isnt a tadpole its a newt tadpole look it up people
Yes, Abed, you are correct. Christina in an earlier comment on the post pointed that out to me. A good learning experience.