Amphibians
are protected animals!
For that reason they have to be identified on the spot where they are found
and without causing any damage to the animals. The present key makes this possible,
even for tadpoles. The key is completed with photos and descriptions, to be
sure of the identification. Using a single, easily recognizable feature can
make each step through the key. Occasionally, other characteristics have to
be taken into account, e.g. the initially dark temporal patches in young Green
frogs or by distinction between Moor frog and Agile frog or between female Smooth
newt and Palmate newt.
Although adult
Amphibians live generally well hidden and shy, their larvae occur abundantly
and are quite easy to catch. However, it used to be very difficult to identify
the larvae, especially those from many kinds of tadpoles. Berninghausen's new
and simple method now makes it possible even for the inexperienced to determine
the species on the spot within minutes. Moreover this handy system is extended
also to the grown up animals. This field guide containes further information
on the distribution of the Central European Amphibians, mating times, calls
and the appearance of the spawn. The scientific and common names of the 20 species
dealt with are given in the language of ten European countries.
Explanation
of symbols in this programme:
D = dorsal (back), V = ventral, underside (belly), 
= male, 
= female
Total length of larvae approximately +/- 20%.
Anura (tailless amphibians) = frogs and toads.
Caudata (tailed amphibians) = newts and salamanders.
Larvae = young stages, breathing through gills (e.g. tadpoles).
Metamorphosed animals = amphibians breathing through lungs.
A download version of Whose-Tadpole.net
for offline use is available: Download
(self extracting ZIP-file, size about 1.6 MB, without online features, free
of charge)
(You must first ask for a login and
password to get permission to start the download. This may take one or two
days - Sorry, but the inquiry is processed manually.)
Important
question:
Is it possible to buy an english version of the "Whose Tadpole is it?"
?
Yes, NABU-Natur-Shop! (Please, activate a translation machine - that shop comes in German)
A download version of Whose-Tadpole.net for offline use is available:
Download
(self extracting ZIP-file, size about 1.6 MB, without online features, free
of charge)
(You must first ask for a login and
password to get permission to start the download. This may take one or two
days - Sorry, but the inquiry is processed manually.)