The frog eggs will hatch within 3-25 days, depending on the species and water temperature. They will hatch faster if the water is warmer. Colder temperatures will slow down the hatching process. Eggs vary in size, colors and shapes with different species. The eggs are usually covered with a jellylike substance that acts like a protective coating. Even the jelly differs, depending on species.
Young frogs are called tadpoles or polliwogs. They do not look like frogs yet. They look more like little fish. They have a tail and have external gills which they breath through. Tadpoles eat plants and decaying animal matter. However, some will eat eggs of other frogs and even tadpoles. As the tadpole develop, it will first grow the hind legs and then the front legs or arms. The tail slowly retracts and disappears and the frog hops up to the land as an adult. This process of transformation is called metamorphosis.
Watch and sing along: Metamorphosis Song
Not all eggs or tadpoles will make it to the adult stage. There are many threats like ducks, fish, insects and other water creatures that will eat the eggs. When they are tadpoles, they still face danger like being eaten by larger water animals or die when the pond dries up. How fast tadpoles turn into an adult depend on the species and their natural surrounding. It might take a less than 2 weeks or even up to a few months.
Watch this video of the life cycle of a frog
FREE Life-Cycle of a Frog Worksheet
For more frog printables, click here
Download this life cycle of a frog activity (requires flashplayer download)
