I think I may have done this one already. Sorry for the repeat if that's indeed the case.

Anyway, extremely interesting little critter in my opinion. They live only in the very steep, very cold, mountain streams that have extremely high oxygen. They have no voice, probably because the streams are so noisy, and calling mates would be a waste of time. The larvae (polywogs) live for three years in these streams before they morph into adults (rather than three weeks like most frogs). They resorb their tail like other frogs, but the males retain a stubby tail which "converts" to a penis. They are about the only frog that has internal fertilization because the streams they live in are too turbulent to allow the typical broadcast of sperm over the eggs for fertilization. Kind'a homely little guys and gals, but elegantly adapted to a rather unique niche.


This is a three-year-old larvae morphing into an adult.



This is a three-year-old larvae that has recently grown hind legs and is resorbing it's tail. Note the multiple rows of teeth that they use to hold onto rocks and scrape off diatoms and other food.



This is an adult that has gone through complete metamorphasis.



This is a belly view of an adult male showing the short tail that's changed into a penis.

Hope you all enjoy!

Jack

Such fascinating creatures. I think froggies are among the most versatile species that adapt to their climates than almost anything else.

Here is a Leopard froggie I did long ago. As well as a wee barely one inch toad I found in my house .

Its interesting what the locals call their frogs ...in the deep south, "hoppy toads" were called any of them that traversed land . "Peepers" were the green tree frogs , and "Toady Frogs" were also most others who were seen on ground and not in water.

You would have had fun with that lingo, Jack ....at least would have you smiling patiently

Thank you for the share, as always.

Great pics, takes me back to my childhood days wandering the hills and bottoms looking for reptiles and Amphibians.

lot of great facts and some cool pictures, but what is the name of that frog?

Sorry trapr. Name of the frog is Rocky Mountain tailed frog. Ascaphus montanus.

Jack

Nice pictures Gulo and some interesting facts .And Sharon a great drawing of a Leopard Frog .I always thought they are really cool

Earl, the frog's name is Earl.....

" I thought...you was...a toad..."