Larvae have external gills and a fin-like tail Terrestrial species lay masses of eggs under logs or in holes of soft dirt. Many species remain near eggs to guard them. The term toad is used rather loosely to refer to frogs and toads that tend to spend more of their life cycle in terrestrial habitats. The largest frog is the West African Gigantorana goliath. The smallest frog recorded is approx.
Eyelids develop and forelegs emerge.
In a matter of weeks or less the aquatic tadpoles has completed its metamorphosis to an adult frog. Found all over the temperate and tropical regions of the world except New Zealand, many islands, and southern regions of South America. Usually found near water. Some, such as the wood frog spend most of their time in on damp forest floors and often some distance from water. It returns to water only to breed in early spring.