Whistling tree frog eggs (Litoria ewingii) 18-8-10

[Ebony]

My Whistlers had been croaking up a storm in the last few weeks so I had been checking them every day for eggs and today was the day. Im very pleased to be able to take a reasonable photo for you to see.

I cant be certain but I assume this also is the proud mum. The last time the male & female were in amplex for a couple of days so this was very quick.

[pixiefrogman]

Impressive photos Ebony, hope to see tadpoles in the future!

[Ebony]

Thanks TJ.
I carefully took a small cluster of eggs by cutting a piece off the fake plant that they were attached to. I want to monitor their development and also take photo's to share. Last year they did not breed but laid eggs out of water which was very strange. The previous year I had great success with moving most of the eggs. But this year I will leave them where they are as I want to observe the adults behavior. The male is still calling now which I find unusual as they normally call in the evening and its lunch time here.

Here is a photo of the small cluster of eggs that I removed. I hope it's clear enough. My partner is bringing the good camera home from work so I will be able to get better clearer shots. Hopefully if i can work out how to use the thing. Lol

[Jace]

Congrats! I can't wait to see how they develop....now that I've had tadpoles, I get the excitement.

As for the male calling at lunch...they can't pass out cigars, so that's his way of announcing he's a new dad. Look at all the eggs-he should be!!

[Ebony]

Thanks Jace. Watching the eggs develop is almost as exciting as watching tadpole metamorphosis.

Lol...I think they would need a few cigars for all those babies. In fact I think they would run a mile. I think the male is more likely calling for the next female.

[John]

Congratulations Ebony , and very nice photos!

[Ebony]

Thanks John.

[Kurt]

Congratulations.

[Jace]

Guess there is no such thing as monogamy in the Whistling Tree frog world, is there?? How long until there will be little tadpoles? I am so excited for you!

[Ebony]

Thanks Kurt

Jace, The eggs should hatch in about 6 days. Time will tell though. I think it took a bit longer the last time. Im taking a photo of them each day.

[Jace]

What are you going to do with all the froglets, once they develop?

[Ebony]

I have a friend who has a 10 acre section. Together we built a beautiful native area (we planted the tree's 3 years ago) with a pond and were hoping to add frogs last year but they didn't breed so we've been waiting for this for a while. Our local Zoo are wanting some also, so Im going to donate what they would like. A lot of it is word of mouth. I may sell some on TM but not with out a care sheet. I send most of them up to the north island as they are hard to find there.

[Ebony]

The eggs are progressing well . Their shape has changed significantly. Its day three and there is a noticeable difference. The first photo is day one.

[Ebony]

Eight hours later I can see change. First photo was eight hours ago. Second photo now. They are developing the tadpole shape.

[John]

Very clear photos - please keep it up .

[Jace]

Wow, that is so cool! Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Ebony. And it sounds like all the froglets are going to have great homes once they mature. I can't wait to see more pictures.

[Ebony]

Thanks John & Jace, It's funny, my cheap digital camera takes a better photo than the good camera. I cant wait to see what they look like tomorrow. I remember that they go through a stage of twitching or wiggling before they hatch so I will see if I can get that on my daughter flip video.

[Ebony]

Here they are today. They have started wiggling but I will wait till more are before I take a video. They tadpole shape is more clear today.

[ediblelogic]

This is enthralling. Awesome pictures, please keep posting!

[Ebony]

Thanks Kelsey, I find this stuff fascinating. I dont want to go anywhere just in case I miss something. But I have to go out today so when I get home later, I will try to catch the eggs wiggling on video. I just had a peak at the eggs that I left in the Whistlers enclosure outside and they are still round as the day they were laid. It's still Winter here. These eggs that im monitoring are inside and forming so fast because they are in a heated room.