Limnodynastes grayi


Scarlet-sided Banjo Frog

Photos

  • Limnodynastes grayi
    Photo: Tom Parkin
  • Limnodynastes grayi
    Photo: Tom Parkin

Distribution

Distribution map for Limnodynastes grayi
Widely distributed across an area spanning approximately 550,000 km2 from central western New South Wales in the south to northern Queensland.

Conservation Status

What does it mean?

Federal Conservation Status (EPBC Act)

Unlisted

IUCN Red List

Not Evaluated

Photos

  • Limnodynastes grayi
    Photo: Tom Parkin
  • Limnodynastes grayi
    Photo: Tom Parkin

Frog Calls

Call recorded by Jodi Rowley

Calling Period

Species Information

Description

Until recently, this species was considered to be part of Limnodynastes terraereginae, but research led by the Australian Museum and published in 2024 has revealed that this species is distinct from Limnodynastes terraereginae, which is now restricted to Cape York, in far north Queensland. FrogID recordings were core to this research. A large species of frog reaching up to 7.8 cm in body length. It has a dark brown or grey-brown back, with orange and yellow patches on the sides. The belly is white or yellow and lacks any pattern. There are bright scarlet red patches on the inner thighs, groin and sometimes armpits. The pupil is nearly round and the iris is gold. Fingers are unwebbed and toes are slightly webbed, both without discs.

Habitats

Occurs in a variety of habitats including sclerophyll and open woodland, Melaleuca wetlands, brigalow, coastal heathland, urban, and agricultural areas.

Breeding Biology

Eggs are laid as a foamy mass on the surface of ponds, dams, swamps, roadside ditches, and creek pools. Tadpoles can reach a total length of up to 7.5 cm, and are dark grey or dark brown in colour. They often remain on the bottom of water bodies and are camouflaged against the substrate, taking around two months to develop into frogs. Breeds during spring to late summer after rain.

Similar Species

Looks similar to Limnodynastes terraereginae, Limnodynastes dumerilii, Limnodynastes superciliaris and Limnodynastes interioris. Limnodynastes grayi can be distinguished from Limnodynastes terraereginae by its smaller size and scarlet (vs magenta) blotches in the groin and legs. Limnodynastes grayi can be further distinguished from Limnodynastes dumerilii, Limnodynastes superciliaris and Limnodynastes interioris by the presence (vs absence) of scarlet blotches in the groin and legs.