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Story: Frogs

Tadpole

Tadpole

All the frog species introduced to New Zealand need pools of water for their tadpoles to develop. Over several weeks the tadpoles grow legs and lose their gills – the colder the water, the longer the process takes. They are then ready to leave the pool. They differ from the young of native frogs, which hatch with their legs already formed, and live out of water, although they need damp conditions.

About this item

Department of Conservation
Reference: 10036294
Photograph by Rod Morris

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How to cite this page:

Paddy Ryan. 'Frogs', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 25-Sep-11
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/frogs/4/5