Rana malabarica - Different stages

The Malabar frog, also known as Hydrophylax malabaricus, is a frog species that is native to the Western Ghats of India. They are known for their unique life cycle, which consists of four distinct stages of growth:

Tadpole

• Malabar frog tadpoles are typically about 2-3 cm in length. They have a long, slender body and a long tail.

• Tadpoles have a black stripe along their back and a white belly.

• Tadpoles feed on algae and other aquatic plants.

• Tadpoles undergo metamorphosis, which is the process of transforming from an aquatic larva to a terrestrial adult. Metamorphosis takes about 6-8 weeks for Malabar frog tadpoles.

Metamorph

• Metamorphs are juvenile frogs that are in the process of transforming from tadpoles to adults. They have developed lungs and limbs, but they still have a long tail.

• Metamorphs typically leave the water and forage for food on land.

• Metamorphs are typically about 3-5 cm in length. They have a brown or green back and a white belly.

• Metamorphs feed on insects and other small invertebrates.

• Metamorphosis takes about 2-3 weeks for Malabar frog metamorphs.

Froglet

• Froglet is a small frog that has recently completed its metamorphosis. They are similar to adult frogs in appearance, but they are smaller and have less developed reproductive organs.

• Froglets typically stay close to water sources and feed on insects and other small invertebrates.

• Froglets are typically about 5-7 cm in length. They have a brown or green back and a white belly.

• Froglets become sexually mature at about 1-2 years of age.

Adult

• Adult Malabar frogs are large, robust frogs that can grow up to 15 cm in length. They are typically found in moist forests and near streams and rivers.

• Adult Malabar frogs are carnivores and feed on a variety of insects and other small animals.

• Adult Malabar frogs have a brown or green back and a white belly.

• Adult Malabar frogs can live for up to 10 years in the wild.