Tadpoles

[Gypsy Orchid]

Hi I was very surprised today to see tadpoles in a locale reservoir is this unusal this time of year.
Sylv

[Dogghound]

Yes, if the water conditions, temperature, food availability etc arnt quite up it, it takes them longer to develop and they will overwinter and emerge next year. In reservoir its likely it is relatively cool clear nutrient poor water which is most likely the reason for this. Also they are likely to be toads which prefer larger water bodies, frog prefer smaller ponds.

[aeshna5]

I think it was in the Natural History of Britain series where they showed Common Frogs breeding in the Highlands + saying that the short season necessitates it taking 2 years for the taddies to metamorphose.