Depicted here is the split-second just before a forest green tree frog tadpole (Zhangixalus arboreus) drops from a sponge-like egg mass suspended in forest canopy. Seasonal rains provide the water and signal to the developing tadpoles. They drop from the egg masses into bodies of water such as lakes and ponds, but also swimming pools, wells and other manmade structures. This unusual reproductive behavior is characteristic of this species, which is endemic to Japan. Photographed in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan.
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