Metamorphosis of the Tree Frog

It is the right time of year to observe something incredible: The metamorphosis of the California Tree Frog. To observe this phenomenon, you will have to find the right place. California Tree Frogs need just the right environment in which to lay their eggs. They like still pools of clear fresh water. A month ago, Santiago Creek was a gushing stream full of rain water. But now that the storms are over, puddles can be found along the bottom of the creek bed. In these shallow basins of fresh water, you can observe the metamorphosis or "changing shape" of the California Tree Frog.


When you approach the pool, remember that this special place is called a "riparian habitat." A riparian habitat is an ecosystem along a fresh water pond, a river, or a stream. Only certain plants and animals can survive here. One of these animals is the California Tree Frog.

Look at all the black things darting about in the water. Those are called tadpoles. You can think of a tadpole as a "baby" or immature form of a frog. They swim around and look like little fish. But they are not fish at all. These tadpoles will turn into frogs in a matter of days!!

The first change on a tadpole is the sprouting of legs! They begin as little buds. Then within as little as a few hours, they start to take shape. They become webbed hind feet and legs.

After this, the head becomes a bit pointier. And then arm buds start to emerge.

Again, within several hours, the buds grow out longer, and become arms and webbed fore feet!

The color changes from black to greenish brown with some spots. The tail does not fall off. It gets shorter and shorter and becomes part of the Tree Frog's rear end.

Soon, the tail disappears completely. Incredibly, the California Tree Frog hops out of the pond and finds a nice tree in which to live. It is tiny and very charming. It grows to only an inch or two.

Then, when the time is just right next season, the California Tree Frog will return to the ponds of Santiago Creek and lay its eggs in the water. The eggs will grow in the water. And then what do you think will POP out of the egg? Did you say, "A TADPOLE?!" Then you are RIGHT.

California Tree Frogs live all over Orange County. Check to see if there is a puddle in a nearby empty lot. Or maybe there's standing water in a low point in your neighborhood. If you're lucky, you might find some tadpoles at this time of year. But make sure you leave the tadpoles in the water. Let them grow into frogs because FROGS EAT MOSQUITOES AND FLIES! HOORAY!

Now we know about caterpillars that change into butterflies and tadpoles that change into frogs. Can you think of any other animals that go through MET-A-MORPH-O-SIS?

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