Litoria bella
Cape York Graceful Tree Frog
Distribution
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Conservation Status
What does it mean?
Federal Conservation Status (EPBC Act)
IUCN Red List
Least Concern
Frog Calls
Call recorded by Keith McDonald
Call recorded by Mark Adsett
Calling Period
- Jan
- yes
- Feb
- yes
- Mar
- possible
- Apr
- possible
- May
- No calling
- Jun
- No calling
- Jul
- No calling
- Aug
- No calling
- Sep
- No calling
- Oct
- yes
- Nov
- yes
- Dec
- yes
Species Information
Description
A medium-sized species of frog reaching up to 4 cm in body length. It has a bright green back. The belly is yellow-orange, and the side is yellow. The pupil is horizontal, and the iris is bright yellow, outlined with black. The backs of the thighs are bluish-purple, and the hands and feet are bright orange. The tops of the upper arm are bright orange. Fingers are three-quarters webbed and toes are fully webbed, both with large discs. This frog was described as a new species in 2016 after originally being confused with Litoria gracilenta. A taxonomic revision of the Australian treefrogs published in June 2025 has suggested that this species be placed in the genus Chlorohyla, resulting in the proposed species name of Chlorohyla bella.
Habitats
Occurs in rainforest and monsoon vine thickets.
Breeding Biology
Eggs are laid as clusters near the surface of the water in temporary pools near streams. Tadpoles have not been described, but are likely to be similar to those of Litoria gracilenta in colour, habit, and development time. Breeds during the wet season after heavy rain.
Similar Species
Looks similar to Litoria gracilenta in its distribution, but has orange feet and hands instead of yellow.