On that first Herpetology class field trip on March 18th we found this huge Green frog (Rana clamitans) tadpole! The net pole in the background is evidence of how we caught this guy; a tree that had been standing in the pond at Indian Creed Wildlife Preserve Metro Park fell over roots and all creating a small deeper area that was partially under the cover of roots. We used the net to sweep in the hole under the roots and we came up with this guy (or girl)! This Green frog tadpole had obviously overwintered in this pond as it was much too early for there to be new tadpoles in the pond and this particular tadpole was roughly 3 inches from head to tail! This tadpole was likely trying to seek shelter from all of the Herpetology students lumbering around in its pond.
Green frogs are very slow to metamorphose. Their eggs hatch anywhere from 3-7 days after they are layed but it takes anywhere from 3 to 22 months for them to reach metamorphosis! As such, it is very common for tadpoles to overwinter in ponds like the one at Indian Creek. Green frogs lay 1000-7000 eggs in every clutch so it is possible that at one time this tadpole shared this pond with over 6000 brothers and sisters! This tadpole was the only one we found that day so it was either one of the only survivors or just a late bloomer; I hope (s)he made it!
(Jill Steinbach)
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