Tadpoles have not developed into froglets and it’s autumn, is something wrong?





Quick answer

No, it’s quite common for tadpoles to overwinter in the pond if they have not experienced the right conditions to develop. No, it’s quite common for tadpoles to overwinter in the pond if they have not experienced the right conditions to develop. Further information

Tadpoles/larvae usually develop into young amphibians and leave the pond during the summer months, but occasionally you might still see them in the pond throughout autumn and winter. These ‘overwintering’ tadpoles complete their development the following spring (if they survive the winter weather). There could be several reasons for this slow development. The pond may be so crowded that the tadpoles are short of food – this is likely to resolve itself over time – or the pond may be too cold, due to a shaded location or steep-sided construction. If the pond is shaded, consider cutting back some of the overhanging vegetation to increase the amount of light and warmth reaching the surface of the water. At this stage, do not attempt to help these slow-growers by providing extra food or taking them out of the pond – you could end up with them completing their development in the middle of winter when there are few natural sources of food in the garden to support them. They should be fine in the pond until next spring. There is evidence to suggest that this may be a deliberate strategy for some frogs, as tadpoles that overwinter in the pond and leave the water in the spring have an advantage over those tadpoles that complete their development in one year and leave in late summer. Sometimes frog and toad tadpoles have a genetic abnormality which means that they will remain as tadpoles for their whole lives. If a tadpole lacks the gene which produces the growth hormone thyroxine they will be unable to metamorphose into froglets or toadlets. This is nothing to worry about since it is a natural mutation and only occurs in a very small number of tadpoles. The tadpoles will continue to feed and grow within the pond all year and may survive as tadpoles for several years.

Tadpoles are behaving strangely (e.g. swimming in circles), what’s going on?





Quick answer

It can be difficult to explain amphibian behaviour; if they’re not dying it’s unlikely to be anything to worry about. It can be difficult to explain amphibian behaviour; if they’re not dying it’s unlikely to be anything to worry about. Further information

Occasionally you may see tadpoles behaving in an unexpected way – they might be lying listlessly in the water or swimming in circles. It can be difficult to explain unusual behaviour, but it’s rarely anything to worry about. Behaviour is often linked to temperature – the warmer it is the more active they become.

Spawn has been laid in an unsuitable place, should it be moved to pond?

