Quacking Frog - Crinia georgiana
Name: Quacking
Frog or Tschudi's Frog
Distribution:
South-west WA from Gingin in the north to near Esperance in the East. Few
specimens occur inland. Around Perth, it is most common in the Darling
Range and at scattered locations on the Swan Coastal Plain (Tyler et
al., 1994).
Call: A distinct
and loud, duck-like "Quack"!! This species responds readily to imitations
of its call!
Description:
A squat and flattened species with a large head, short limbs and unwebbed
fingers and toes. Coloration is variable from grey-brown to highly marbled
orange, white and grey. The diagnostic feature of this species is its comparatively
large size in relation to other Crinia species, and the presence
of both a bright red groin patch and red or golden eyelids (Tyler et
al., 1994).
-
Quacking Frog calling from a sheltered position.
-
(Copyright R.Davis, 1998).
Breeding: This
species is an autumn/winter breeder, relying on temporary pools. It most
commonly breeds around granite outcrops in the pools of water that collect
in the surrounding vegetation. It prefers shallower, more murky breeding
pools than the big, permanent ones found on top of the outcrops themselves.
It is also prone to breeding in puddles and wheel ruts. Matings in this
species may involve up to 9 males mating with a single female! This results
in multiple paternity of egg clutches and may increase the chances of fertilisation
success. About 50% of all matings in this species are multiple matings.
This is an ongoing investigation by Phil Byrne at the University of Western
Australia. After mating, eggs are laid in a clump in the pools and tadpoles
metamorphose after 35-45 days (Main, 1965)
Habitat: Wetlands
on the Swan Coastal Plain and granite outcrops and streams in the Darling
Range.
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Created: 8/9/98.
Updated: 23/10/98.