Toad Life Cycle

Toad Life Cycle

• Toads undergo metamorphosis, a complete change in form during development. Humans, unlike toads, do not change form dramatically.

Stage 1: Egg

• Toad eggs are encased in a jelly-like substance.
• Females lay hundreds or thousands of eggs in ponds or streams.
• A tiny black dot inside the egg is the embryo.
• Some eggs do not survive.

Stage 2 & 3: Tadpole & Toadlet

• Eggs hatch into tadpoles (also called pollywogs).
• Tadpoles have tails and gills, needing water for breathing.
• They have jaws for eating algae.
• Toadlets resemble small toads, with legs developing.
• Toadlets have sticky tongues, and lungs allowing them to breathe air and survive on land, but they need water to prevent dehydration.

Stage 4: Toad

• The mature toad lacks a tail and has fully developed lungs.
• The toad has four legs for jumping.
• Adults start looking for mates.
• Females become ready to have babies around three years old; males around two years old
• During mating season, male toads call to attract females.
• This triggers an egg-laying cycle.