It's Alive Animals

Piggybacking tadpoles are epic food beggars

In mimic poison frogs, answering frantic pleas for food is a family affair

Frog and tadpole

CHILDCARE  The dark blob on the back of this thumbnail-sized mimic poison frog is a pampered, high-maintenance tadpole that needs a ride.

Adam Stuckert

By Susan Milius

- More than 2 years ago

View the video

Tadpoles don’t cry to get their way. But some of them sure can beg.

Each bout of hungry-baby drama among mimic poison frogs (Ranitomeya imitator) occupies both parents for hours.