Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi.

I went for a hike today (Northeastern Ohio) and found a bunch of tadpoles. They were anywhere from 1.5-2 inches long, olive green with small black spots. None of them had developed any back legs yet either.

Is it pretty safe to assume that they were probably bull frog tads?

I figured that if they were this big without legs that they probably weren't green frogs or leopard frogs.

Also, while I'm here...Since there were some that were obviously larger than others, is it possible that the larger ones were from last years breeding and the smaller ones from this year? Or, if not, and they are all from this year, would the females be the larger ones or is it just that some probably came from eggs laid earlier in the year?

If I would collect one (which I'm not sure I will) how big of a cage is needed for a large jumper like a bull frog? I do have a 55 gallon tank that could be used, would that be adequate? I know they can jump pretty far.

Thanks.

Don't take this personally... but I find it hilarious how easy people think it is to identify tadpoles. For tadpoles, sometimes they must be euthanized and examined under a dissecting microscope (Ranidae is usually easier in my area and don't require this). Size alone is not an accurate indicator (like saying all frogs that are green, are green frogs), as Rana clamitans can get just as big bullfrog tadpoles. Remember, R. clamitans have an extended larval period as well.

Where did you find them? Bullfrogs usually only breed in permanent bodies of water, which makes it difficult most times to capture a number of them easily. Green frogs are more likely to breed in vernal ponds.

I have no way to explain the size differences, other than age and resource competition. I am not aware of any sexual dimorphic differences in the larval stage.

I don't think bullfrogs make good pets because of their size and their lifespan. A 55g is too small. 75-100 would be more appropriate. At this size it is better to make a custom enclosure.
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Leopard frogs tadpoles can be very large, also, longer than 2" (at least the Southern--I can't speak for other varieties). I've seen pics where they're green with dark spots (mine were brown), but like Colchicine says, that's not really narrowing it down.
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Yeah, my three leo tads were about 2 1/2 to 3 inches, 2 were brown with darker brown freckles and one was an olive with brown freckles. I also had a bull frog tad once (put it back in the pond I took it from when I found out what species it was) and it was just a solid olive green with a cream colored belly. I also has one green frog tad (at least that's what I was told it was) and it was more of a tan with LOTS of dark brown freckles.

Chances are, you're just going to have to wait until it morphs to know for sure.
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Heather

>>Yeah, my three leo tads were about 2 1/2 to 3 inches, 2 were brown with darker brown freckles and one was an olive with brown freckles. I also had a bull frog tad once (put it back in the pond I took it from when I found out what species it was) and it was just a solid olive green with a cream colored belly. I also has one green frog tad (at least that's what I was told it was) and it was more of a tan with LOTS of dark brown freckles.
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>>Chances are, you're just going to have to wait until it morphs to know for sure.
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>> Heather