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How to Identify Michigan Tadpoles

Michigan is home to two species of toads and 11 species of frogs. All of these species breed during spring and early summer and lay their eggs in water. The young, called tadpoles, hatch a few days, sometimes a few weeks, later. Tadpoles have gills and and resemble small fish for the first few days. As they mature, they slowly grow to their adult form. Green frogs are the most common frog in Michigan and the American bullfrog is the largest.

Things You'll Need

Tadpole identification guide
Glass or clear plastic jars, one for each tadpole
Freshwater
Bright light (flashlight, desk lamp, etc.)
Small hand net
Hand lens
Millimeter ruler

Instructions

- 1
  Fill each jar with a few inches of freshwater and separate the tadpoles into individual jars. If you don't have enough jars, group similar-sized tadpoles together in a jar.
- 2
  Compare the photos of your tadpoles to the photos on the Tadpole Identification Guide provided in the Resources section. Use the light and hand lens if necessary.
- 3
  To confirm your identification, read the descriptions found with each identification photo. For help with morphology terms, refer to the Tadpole Tutorial provided in the Resources section.
Measuring the tadpole (if necessary)
- 4
  Hold the jar over an empty jar and hold the hand net between the two jars. Gently pour the contents into the net and allow the tadpole to fall into the net.
- 5
  Hold the net close to your work surface at a 45 degree angle. Remove the tadpole by gently tapping the net and allowing it to slide out onto the work surface.
- 6
  Place the ruler on your work surface and quickly measure the tadpole. Compare the measurements of your tadpole to the description in the guide.

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