Slender Tree Frog - Litoria adelaidensis

Introduction

One of only three endemic tree frogs in south-west WA, the slender tree frog is well known to many West Ausssies. Much smaller than its close cousin the motorbike frog, it is often seen in suburban ponds and wetlands, and its high pitched screech is a characteristic of wetlands all over the state. Individuals may often be seen basking in the day near water and may dive in when disturbed. The slender tree frog is found on the Swan Coastal Plain and western edge of the Darling Range in Perth. It is widespread throughout the south-west of WA.
 
 
 
Litoria adelaidensis (brown form), Perth, WA.
(Copyright R.Davis 2001)
 
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Description

The slender tree frog is a distinct and unmistakable species. Its background colour is either green or brown and it always has a black stripe with white below, on both of its sides. It is obviously a tree frog from its small toe discs for adhering to vegetation. In addition, this species is easily identified by the slash of bright red spots on the back of its thighs.

Breeding and Feeding

This frog species is never far from permanent or seasonal water. It prefers the dense cover of reeds and rushes such as Typha, in which it is often superbly camoflauged against the reeds. Breeding occurs in spring when the high-pitched screech or "chirp" call of males can be heard, often in great choruses.When mating occurs, eggs are deposited in the water and attached to emergent aquatic vegetation. Tadpoles are distinctive and identified by their prominent white side stripes.
 

Threats

The slender tree frog is widespread and abundant in south-west WA. There has been recent concern that this species is heavily affected by a chytrid fungus that is killing frogs in south-west WA. There have been reports of local mortalities of this species. In addition to this, much of the habitat of this species around Perth has been and is still being, cleared or filled in for suburban housing.
 

References

Bush, B., Maryan, B., Browne-Cooper, R. and Robinson, D. (1995) Reptiles and Frogs of The Perth Region. University of Western Australia Press. Perth, WA.

Tyler, M.J., Smith, L.A. and Johnstone, R.E. (1994) Frogs of Western Australia. Western Australian Museum, Perth.
 

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Created: 16/12/2001.