I ask this question as my little tadpoles (half a million of them!) have been frantically busy in the wildlife pond, little tails lashing in a feeding frenzy so that they have little rafts of bubbles above them. You would think that by nightfall they would be exhausted, but no - I went out to satisfy my curiosity last night, as to where there sleeping quarters were - the shallow bit which stays warm or the deep bit where they feel safe from predators? Well, as I shone my little torch on them they were still having fun all over the pond, shallow bit and deep water, just as if it were day. In fact, 7 Palmate newts had come to join them and were doing a slow-motion march around the shallow pond shelf. They seemed unbothered by the light - almost as if they hadn't noticed at all!
Anyway, they must, at some point in the night, gather together perhaps in the floating undergrowth of the pond, as it takes a while for them to gather again in the shallows in the morning. I'd never thought of Tadpoles keeping late hours and partying like there was no tomorrow. Makes me smile though!
We all need to take the hint that all creatures...even us need to take time to have some fun!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your tadpole's libations it brings a smile to me today.
Have a great week, BB
Maybe they don`t sleep when the water is warm enough for them to keep moving and feeding? I always assumed that they hung on to the underside of a bit of pond weed and went to sleep, but really I have no idea!
ReplyDeleteI checked again last night - still tootling about and this time NINE newts - some very fat looking (full of eggs) and some skinny little ones (last year's babies?) and some couples "smooching" . . . You're already guessing the next post aren't you? What Do Newts Do At Night?!!! X-rated : )
ReplyDeleteThey are obviously all full of the joys of Spring like everyone else and are making the most of it.
ReplyDeleteGood question! I have lots of tadpoles in the pond but the newts are munching their way through alot of them.....bit sad but I suppose thats life! Only the very bravest tadpoles strike out on their own to the other side of the pond, perhaps there is safety in numbers!
ReplyDeleteNever thought much about when Tadpoles sleep, but do know before long they will keep everyone awake at night with thier symphony of chirping at first it is so serene, then annoying when you realize you have to sleep before going to work in morning. This is my first time visiting your blog and it was most enjoyable, loved the english countryside reminded me alot of the Lake Champlain Valley of Vermont where I spent most of my time growing up on the dairy farm. I'm looking forward to returning soon
ReplyDeleteLots of catching up to do on your blog, spring is so exciting, even though there is a certain carnivorous aspect to it. Don't the tadpoles eat each other as well?
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