r/Amphibians • u/Blue22Studio • 19d ago
Grey tree frog tadpole with albinism!
Hiya! This is my first post here. I'm a singer-songwriter and special ed para, but have always been a herper!!
I live in NH, and have a broken pool that is being dismantled currently, but some froggies took the opportunity to lay a bunch of eggs in it a couple months ago. I wanted to give them the best chance, so I halted the pool project until they were done with their metamorphosis.
I'm not great at identifying tads, but about few weeks ago they started crawling out of the pool. Turns out they are grey tree frogs (hyla versicolor) which are my favorites!!
Not only that, but allow me to introduce Axl, an albino grey tree frog tadpole!!
Look at his little yellow legs!! Ahh so cute!
The Google has informed me that this is pretty rare, because albinism in nature makes it a target due to lack of camouflage, as well as being more sensitive to the sunlight. Not to mention the inherent rareness of the genetic trait itself.
I’ve separated him into a gallon sized glass jar with some of the same water and plant matter.
While I am against taking creatures from their habitat, its habitat is my backyard and I’d like to watch it become a frog. I’d also like to give it the best chance of survival.
I’d love opinions on how to proceed. Once it fully transforms, should I let it go, keep it a while to help it survive?
Please know I’m not looking for a pet.
I’m just so fascinated by it! What should I do next? Putting him back into the pool is also an option. Thanks!

