Tadpole ID? D.C. Area U.S., pics

[UncleChester]

He's pretty big - I'd say a good 2+ inches long. I initially thought he might be a bullfrog, but he seems to be getting a leg bud on one side, and the creek he was in doesn't stay wet enough for him to be the year or more that a bullfrog would need.

I would think the size makes it not a bullfrog, and a green/bronze frog seems more likely? Check out this Guide to Tadpoles that gives typical sizes of tadpoles, and also has details on how to tell a few of the ranids apart by the shape of their mouths as some of them seem to be otherwise pretty much indistinguishable. There's also the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center "Tadpoles of the United States and Canada: A Tutorial and Key" which has plenty of detail but is perhaps less user friendly.

You'll know soon enough in any case.

[Tadtholemew]

I would think the size makes it not a bullfrog, and a green/bronze frog seems more likely? Check out this Guide to Tadpoles that gives typical sizes of tadpoles, and also has details on how to tell a few of the ranids apart by the shape of their mouths as some of them seem to be otherwise pretty much indistinguishable. There's also the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center "Tadpoles of the United States and Canada: A Tutorial and Key" which has plenty of detail but is perhaps less user friendly.

You'll know soon enough in any case.

Thanks! I'd seen both of those sources, and I do think there's a good shot that you're right as well, particularly given (a) the timeframe (I'm still skeptical of the idea that he could have been in that creek long enough to be getting his legs now) and (b) the dark spotting and cream belly. Over the last week or so, his spots have gotten much darker, more like the pics I've seen of bronze frog tadpoles than bullfrogs...although in terms of size, I think he's pretty well within bullfrog tadpole sizes. I kind of hope you're right, though, since they stay a good deal smaller...

[Gnag the nameless]

Sorry for not replying sooner. Been very busy, with Bumpy recovering from her giardia/tetany and raising little Nivose.

Brian has a big point. For 5 months, I originally thought my Green frog, Bumpy, was a bullfrog but I noticed a ridge going down her back, which sealed the thought that she was a Green frog, not a bullfrog.

If you want information on how to keep Green frogs, I can offer you a wide variety of experience from my own experience of keeping Bumpy.

I wouldn't be worried if he's a bullfrog or a green frog. They're both very fun to keep, and relatively easy.

Keep us posted!

[Tadtholemew]

Update: Legs!

Just a few pictures of Tad with his new legs growing in! He wasn't feeling super photogenic today (hiding in the corner...) but here he is!

[Gnag the nameless]

Nice!

I'm still not sure on what species he is, although judging by his size I wouldn't think he's a bullfrog. However, we'll only be certain once he turns into a froglet.

[Tadtholemew]

I know! He looks like a bronze frog or pickerel frog tadpole...but I think bullfrog and pig frog aren't entirely off the table either. So exciting! But I already think he's the best tadpole ever, regardless of what he ends up being.

[UncleChester]

I know! He looks like a bronze frog or pickerel frog tadpole...

You may have seen this, but it has some pointers on distinguishing these two species as tadpoles Untitled Document Mostly though, that link has an adorable picture of a pickerel frog metamorph, and it looks like you won't be far from saying yea or nay on a pickerel. There are also other tadpole ID tips on the pages for various species.

Thanks for the updates!