A tadpole first develops hind legs, then begins to kick energetically while eating constantly. Next, the forelegs grow, and eventually, the tail shrinks; the tadpole begins to look like an adult frog, albeit a small one. At this point, it leaves the pond and heads off, only to return a few years later to spawn.

In captivity, a frog in the early stages must be fed with newly hatched cockroaches or crickets that are still translucent, which the frog consumes in incredible quantities. In urban environments, some toads have learned that the lighting on railway station platforms attracts night insects; these fall to the ground stunned, further playing their part in the food chain.

If it should suddenly occur to someone to keep a toad at home, I can confirm that it can be habituated to a diet of meat. Admittedly, one must bear in mind that beef liver or heart are best, which should be cut into strips and moved about to stimulate the animal's appetite. A satiated toad will try to hide and will not leave its shelter without a particular need, whereas its attempts to sneak off somewhere are an eloquent signal that it wants a bite to eat. There are also species of horned frogs that do not go anywhere, even for gastronomic purposes: they wait for their prey to come to them on its own. Then, the horned frog swiftly grabs its intended meal, holding it with its teeth (yes, teeth, although they are not meant for chewing food).

During its evening patrol, a toad explores its territory and destroys a large number of pests, including slugs, before returning comfortably to its hideout. A case has been recorded in England where a toad lived for 36 years; this proves that friendship with one's toad can also be a long-term joy. And no, amphibians do not suckle cow's milk, do not eat strawberries, and are not the henchmen of witches, even though these stereotypes seem to be eternal – just like the stubborn persistence of frogs.

Image: from the zemeunvalsts.lv archive