Gosner stage

[2] McDiarmid and Altig (1999) distinguish four major developmental stages, as detailed in the table below.

[5] As a generalized system, Gosner stages may not be adequate for describing development of some anuran tadpoles.

This is interpreted as an adaptation that allows the tadpoles to cling to the rocks until the tail is almost fully resorbed.

[8] In Limnonectes limborgi, the tadpoles are free-living but non-feeding ("nidicolous") and retain their yolk sac until stage 37, at least.

[9] Direct-developing frogs hatch directly as froglets, without free-living larval stage.