California Reptiles & Amphibians
Rana catesbeiana - American Bullfrog,
Tadpoles and Development
(=Lithobates catesbeianus)
Click on a picture for a larger view
Page 1 - American Bullfrogs, habitats, information, range map
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Tadpole, San Bernardino County |
Mature tadpole, San Bernardino County |
Group of tadpoles, San Bernardino County |
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Tadpole out of water, Del Norte County © Alan Barron |
Mature tadpole, Yolo County |
Tadpole, Merced County |
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Tadpole, Merced County |
Mature tadpole with all four legs (same as the tadpole to the left, 3 weeks later) 1 Day before transforming and leaving the water (next photo). |
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The following series of pictures shows the Merced County bullfrog tadpole depicted above after metamorphosis - as it begins to breathe air, walk on land, gradually lose its tail, and transform into a frog. |
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Metamorph, Day 1 |
Metamorph, Day 2 |
Metamorph, Day 3 |
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Metamorph, Day 4 |
Metamorph, Day 5 |
Metamorph, Day 6 |
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Metamorph, Day 7 |
Metamorph, Day 8 |
Metamorph, Day 9 |
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Juvenile, Day 14 |
Juvenile, Day 29 |
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Short Video |
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| Although they are quick to swim to the bottom when first approached, American Bullfrog tadpoles will usually calm down and resuface, where they slowly swim, float, and socialize. | ||
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