Litoria calliscelis

Conservation Status

Calling Period

Description

Until early 2024, this species was considered part of the widely distributed Litoria ewingii, however research led by the Australian Museum and using FrogID recordings, revealed that Litoria calliscelis and Litoria sibilus, from Kangaroo Island, were distinct species.

A medium-sized species of frog reaching up to 4.5 cm in body length. It has a cream-coloured, brown, grey, copper or gold back, with a wide, darker bifurcated stripe along the middle that starts between the eyes. There is a black or dark brown stripe from the tip of the snout to past the arm. There is often a white stripe from below the eye to the end of the upper lip. The belly is white, and the male often has a darker throat. The pupil is horizontal, and the iris is gold. The backs of the thighs are typically orange-yellow and patterned with dark spots or blotches. There is usually a single dark spot in the groin region. Fingers are unwebbed and toes are moderate-extensively webbed, both with discs wider than the digits.

Breeding Biology

Eggs are laid in clusters that stick to vegetation under the surface of the water in temporary or permanent ponds, dams, and stream pools. Tadpoles can reach a total length of up to 5.5 cm, and are black, brown, or gold in colour. They often remain at the surface of water bodies. Breeds throughout the year following rainfall with a peak between June–October.

Similar Species

Litoria calliscelis is similar in appearance to Litoria ewingii and Litoria sibilus but can be identified based on distribution.