Desert Tree Frog - Litoria rubella

Litoria rubella
 

Source: Frogs of Brisbane

Name: Litoria rubella

Common Name: Desert Tree Frog

Description: (After Tyler et al., 1994) A small, robust and drably coloured tree frog. Normal skin colouration is pale to dark brown and the sides of the head may be traversed by darker longitudinal stripes. Fingers are short with small discs. Size: 28-43 mm.

Distribution: Much of the arid north of WA. From the Pilbara to the Kimberley. Extending into the northern Goldfields and Hamelin Pool in Shark Bay.

Call: A harsh, grating screech (pers. obs.).

Breeding: Clumps of 40-300 eggs are laid in static water. Because of the arid habitat this species occupies, larval development may be as fast as 14 days (Tyler et al., 1994).

Habitat: This cheerful frog is ubiquitous amongst the lush green mining camps and towns of the state's hot north. It is often found taking advantage of swimming pools and toilet blocks and on many occasions I have observed them living happily in the cistern of toilets and near ice machines. They also live more naturally around creeks and waterholes.
 
 

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Created: 26/3/98.
Updated: 3/4/98.