Austrochaperina pluvialis - Species Profile

Photo: Christopher J Jolly

Distribution

Federal Conservation Status (EPBC Act)

Unlisted

IUCN Red List

Least Concern

Photo: Christopher J Jolly

Call recorded by Haydyn Scoble

Call recorded by Keith McDonald

Call recorded by Justin McMahon

Calling Period

Jan: peak
Feb: yes
Mar: yes
Apr: yes
May: possible
Jun: possible
Jul: possible
Aug: possible
Sep: possible
Oct: yes
Nov: yes
Dec: yes

Description

A small species of frog reaching up to 3 cm in body length. It has a brown or grey back. There is a white stripe from the tip of the snout that borders the upper eyelid, with a dark brown stripe underneath that extends to the side and sometimes covers the side of the head. The belly is clear yellow, orange, or brown, with darker specks; the male has a brown or grey throat. The pupil is horizontal and the iris is dark brown or orange-brown, outlined with a red ring. Fingers and toes are unwebbed, both without discs.

Habitats

Occurs in rainforest.

Breeding Biology

Eggs are laid as one small cluster on land in a hidden area of moist leaf litter and the nest is guarded by the male, as it is with other Austrochaperina species. Tadpoles never swim in water; instead they develop inside the egg and may hatch as little frogs. It is unknown how long they take to develop into frogs. Breeds during spring to summer in the wet season.

Similar Species

Looks similar to Austrochaperina fryi and Austrochaperina robusta in its distribution, but has a different call and eye colour.

Photos