First tadpole of year

[galanthus]

While gazing lovingly into my pond this afternoon and dreaming of newts yeah, never gonna happen !! I saw a tadpole from last year It was the same size as the last few left in the pond after most had frogged it. It was a bit sluggish but v much alive. How on earth can it have remained the same size for 8 months or more ?

[stripee]

Originally Posted by galanthus

While gazing lovingly into my pond this afternoon and dreaming of newts yeah, never gonna happen !! I saw a tadpole from last year It was the same size as the last few left in the pond after most had frogged it. It was a bit sluggish but v much alive. How on earth can it have remained the same size for 8 months or more ?

Well this was what I wondering about these things that looked like newtpoles (sorry to mention them) they looked like they were left over from last year, so maybe this happen to tadpoles as well, and they carry on growing the following year???

[Ukwildlifeo]

I think its quite common. In fact in some places in scotland I think the tadpole always overwinter due to the shorter summer/colder overall temperatures

[Kayleigh]

This is amazing I have never seen anything like it..Can you get any pics, G

[Susie]

I have heard of this happening before too. If the tadpoles aren't big enough to change successfully into froglets in time for winter then they overwinter and change the next year. I don't think it is too uncommon but still a great thing to see.

[Dogghound]

Its quite common. If food supply of temperature is not quite rite or even water quality. It can take a tadpole longer to complete metamorphosis, these would have been the smaller individuals last year which were out competed by their siblings. So they stay as a tadpole all summer and winter and feed up. They should turn into adults in the spring all being well. The tadpoles go dormant in the colder months.

[galanthus]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

Its quite common. If food supply of temperature is not quite rite or even water quality. It can take a tadpole longer to complete metamorphosis, these would have been the smaller individuals last year which were out competed by their siblings. So they stay as a tadpole all summer and winter and feed up. They should turn into adults in the spring all being well. The tadpoles go dormant in the colder months.

Yeah I knew we had quite a few left over and that the fittest left as frogs. I can't believe they can postpone their growth for so long HOw fab is that !!

[Dogghound]

Yes neoteny as it is know is quite a diverse subject. With lots of reasons, its possibly that some of the tadpoles may never become adult's and stay in this form perminantly although this is extremely rare in frogs/toads in this country. Some Amphibians particularly some species of salamander can breed in their neotenous form. It is very interesting

[coasty]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

Yes neoteny as it is know is quite a diverse subject. With lots of reasons, its possibly that some of the tadpoles may never become adult's and stay in this form perminantly although this is extremely rare in frogs/toads in this country. Some Amphibians particularly some species of salamander can breed in their neotenous form. It is very interesting

Interesting,,, I get a few overwintering in my pond most years. Do they always change after one year?

Andy

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by coasty

Interesting,,, I get a few overwintering in my pond most years. Do they always change after one year?

Andy

Factors such as water nutrient levels, food and temperature are all key to how long the development takes. If they normally dont develop in their first year then they should develop in there second year. A very small portion never develop past tadpoles. But this isnt common, on very rare occasions it can takes several years in the UK but this is usually associated with upland areas or very poor water quality. Tadpoles in the neotenous form are risking it a little, as tadpole predation is quite high compared to life as adults.