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Predators can remove a large amount of spawn (Judy Dowling)WILDLIFE INFORMATION SERVICE

Frequently Asked Questions about... spawn and tadpoles:


All my spawn / tadpoles disappeared, what's gone wrong?

There can be several causes behind disappearing spawn / tadpoles:

Predators: spawn and tadpoles have numerous predators, in and out of the pond, including: fish, dragonfly larvae, water boatmen, newts, grass snakes and birds. This is the most common cause of disappearing spawn / tadpoles.
Late frosts: spawn can be extremely sensitive to late frosts, particularly long spells of icy weather - the spawn may have died and sunk to the bottom / broken down without you noticing.
Lack of light: to develop, spawn requires lots of light. If your pond is too shaded the spawn might die and break down.


More information:
Spawn / tadpoles are being preyed upon, what can be done? >>>
There is spawn in the pond but icy weather is due, should I protect it from frost? >>>
What's the best pond design for amphibians? >>>
 


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