A Guide to the Amphibians
and Reptiles of California

Lithobates catesbeianus - American Bullfrog,
Tadpoles and Development

(=Rana catesbeiana)

Click on a picture for a larger view


Tadpole, San Bernardino County	Mature tadpole, San Bernardino County	Group of tadpoles, San Bernardino County	Mature tadpole, Yolo County

Tadpole out of water, Del Norte County © Alan Barron	Tadpole, Merced County	Very mature tadpole, still aquatic, but pulled out of water for this photo.

Tadpole, Merced County	Mature tadpole with all four legs (same as the tadpole to the left, 3 weeks later) 1 Day before transforming and leaving the water (next photo below).
The following series of pictures shows the Merced County bullfrog tadpole depicted above after metamorphosis - as it begins to breathe air, walk on land, gradually lose its tail, and transform into a frog.

Metamorph, Day 1	Metamorph, Day 2	Metamorph, Day 3	Metamorph, Day 4

Metamorph, Day 5	Metamorph, Day 6	Metamorph, Day 7	Metamorph, Day 8

Metamorph, Day 9	Juvenile, Day 14	Juvenile, Day 29
Short Videos

Although they are quick to swim to the bottom when first approached, American Bullfrog tadpoles will usually calm down and resuface, where they slowly swim, float, and socialize.	Mature 4-legged tadpoles at a small pond in Oregon.