Tadpoles, also known as polliwogs, represent the larval stage of frogs or toads. A newly hatched tadpole has a long, flat tail and no legs, but it does have gills. Gills allow tadpoles to breathe underwater as they mature into adults with both legs and lungs. Tadpoles can be found in a variety of habitats in the United States if you know where to look.

Look for tadpoles in small ponds, such as a farm pond. Small ponds attract many species of frogs and toads, which lay their eggs in spring. Search for tadpoles in the water along the edges of the pond, where they feed on algae and other plants. Tadpoles can be found in any outdoor body of water where there's sufficient food. They also need cover to avoid predators such as fish and wading birds.

Look for tadpoles in lakes. You may find them along the shallow edges where there's vegetation. Shallow water warms up quicker than deeper water. Warm water attracts tadpoles because it helps to speed up their development.

Look for tadpoles in rivers and streams. Tadpoles dwell in inlets, coves, and along the banks where the current's weak or almost nonexistent.

Look for tadpoles in vernal pools in the woods. A "vernal pool" means a depression in the earth that fills with melting water from snow, rain or rising water tables. For some frog species such as wood frogs, vernal pools are a favorite spot to lay eggs in spring.

Look for tadpoles by following the sounds of frogs to their source. Peep frogs and wood frogs as well as bullfrogs make enough noise, especially as it grows darker, to allow you to pinpoint their whereabouts. Where you find frogs, you will discover tadpoles.

Look for frog eggs, which normally float in clumps near the shore. Make a mental note to return after the tadpoles hatch.