Tadpoles and Polliwogs

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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.

tadpole blob

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:

  1. Provide them with clean non-chlorinated water (preferably rain water).
  2. Feed them small bits of cooked spinach or lettuce.
  3. Watch them grow!

tadpole close-up with feathery gills

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.

13 thoughts on “Tadpoles and Polliwogs”

  1. Add this to the fainting goats saga that your daughter did not know about!! Some pretty good pictures though–keep up the good work.

  2. 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 ………………

  3. 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?

  4. Fascinating! I am sending this on to granddaughter Emily. She loves all things in nature.

    Yeah, I remember the fainting goats!

  5. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. Yes, Abed, you are correct. Christina in an earlier comment on the post pointed that out to me. A good learning experience.

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