Colleeneremia balatus


Slender Bleating Tree Frog

Photos

  • Colleeneremia balatus
    Photo: Jodi Rowley

Distribution

Distribution map for Colleeneremia balatus
Currently from south-eastern Queensland from the Maryborough district in the north to the foothills of the scenic rim region on the NSW/Queensland border.

Conservation Status

What does it mean?

Federal Conservation Status (EPBC Act)

Unlisted

IUCN Red List

Least Concern

Photos

  • Colleeneremia balatus
    Photo: Jodi Rowley

Frog Calls

Call recorded by Christine Haworth

Call recorded by Mandy McCosker

Calling Period

Species Information

Description

A medium-sized species of frog reaching up to 4.2 cm in body length. It has a light brown or cream-coloured back, with a wide, brown longitudinal stripe along the middle. The belly is cream-coloured, and the male has a black vocal sac. The pupil is horizontal, and the iris is red in the top half and brown in the lower half. Fingers are one-third webbed and toes are three-quarters webbed, both with large, sometimes yellow discs. This species was named as new to science in 2021 by a team of researchers including from the Australian Museum. The species was previously being confused with Colleeneremia dentata. Recordings submitted to FrogID were analysed as part of the scientific paper formally describing and scientifically naming the species. Your recordings really do contribute to better understanding and conserving our frogs! This species was previously known as Litoria balatus.

Habitats

Occurs in open forests, woodlands and occasionally rainforest.

Breeding Biology

Breeds in shallow ephemeral drainage lines, wetlands, as well as in small dams. Much of its breeding biology is unknown, but is likely similar to Litoria dentata.

Similar Species

Most similar to Colleeneremia dentata and Colleeneremia quiritatus. It does not overlap in range with Colleeneremia quiritatus but may overlap slightly with Colleeneremia dentata around the Scenic Rim region of Queensland. It can be distinguished from Colleeneremia dentata by having a more slender build, a pale dorsolateral line that runs to the groin (versus diffusing around the arm), and males with a black vocal sac versus a dirty yellow or brown when inflated. Looks somewhat similar to Colleeneremia rubella, and Rawlinsonia verreauxii in its distribution. It can be distinguished from Rawlinsonia verreauxii by a lack of bright colours in the armpits or back of the thighs, while Colleeneremia rubella lacks the wide, brown longitudinal stripe along the middle of its back and has a more robust body.