The Life Period, Growth and Differentiation of Rana catesbeiana Larvae Occurring in Nature

Abstract
Adult Rana catesbeiana breed in June and July in Kentucky. The newly hatched tadpoles grow and differentiate until October. Growth and differentiation resumes in early May with approximately 95% transforming into froglets in June through August, 12 to 14 months after the eggs were laid. The remaining 5% transform in less than 12 months. Arguments are presented from the data and a review of the literature to shwo that the larval life period is not two to three years, as is commonly accepted, but is approximately one year.