Litoria aurifera

Conservation Status

Calling Period

Description

A small species of frog reaching up to 2 cm in body length. It has a dark brown back, with grey or dark brown mottling. There is a white stripe and dark vertical bars along the upper lip. The belly is white, and the male has a grey throat. The pupil is horizontal, and the iris is red in the upper half and silver in the lower half. The legs have grey or brown horizontal bars. Fingers are unwebbed and toes are nearly fully webbed, both with small discs. This species is so small and quick that it can hop over water without breaking the surface, similar to a skimming rock.

Breeding Biology

Eggs are unknown, but are likely to be similar to those of Litoria meirianaand probably laid in creek pools. Tadpoles can reach a total length of up to 3 cm and are black in colour, with a distinct pattern of pale yellow spots on the body, and black and red on the lower half of the tail. They often remain at the bottom of water bodies. It is unknown how long they take to develop into frogs. Breeds during summer in the wet season.

Similar Species

Looks similar to Crinia bilingua and Crinia fimbriata in its distribution, but these two species lack finger and toe discs. Also looks very similar to Litoria meiriana near its distribution, but has a different call.