Litoria lorica


Armoured Mist Frog

Photos

  • Litoria lorica
    Photo: Grant Webster
  • Litoria lorica
    Photo: Nathan Litjens

Distribution

Distribution map for Litoria lorica
Formerly found throughout the Thornton Peak area and the eastern Carbine Tableland in QLD, but has severely declined due to the amphibian chytrid fungus, and is now only known from one population on the western Carbine Tableland, QLD. This population was discovered in 2008, before which the frog had not been seen for 17 years.

Conservation Status

What does it mean?

Federal Conservation Status (EPBC Act)

Critically Endangered

IUCN Red List

Critically Endangered

Photos

  • Litoria lorica
    Photo: Grant Webster
  • Litoria lorica
    Photo: Nathan Litjens

Calling Period

Species Information

Description

A medium-sized species of frog reaching up to nearly 4 cm in body length. It has a light brown or grey back, with dark brown marbling or spots. The belly is cream-coloured. The pupil is horizontal, and the iris is gold with black flecks. Fingers are slightly webbed and toes are fully webbed, both with large white discs. The male has a distinct grouping of black nuptial spines on the base of the thumbs that help to grip the female during mating. A taxonomic revision of the Australian treefrogs published in June 2025 has suggested that this species be placed in the genus Mosleyia, resulting in the proposed species name of Mosleyia lorica.

Habitats

Occurs in fast flowing rocky streams and near waterfalls or cascades in rainforest.

Breeding Biology

Eggs are unknown, but are likely to be similar to those of Litoria nannotis and laid in fast-flowing rocky streams. Tadpoles can reach a total length of up to 5 cm, and are gold in colour. They use their mouthparts to stick to rocks in order to avoid being swept away by flowing water. Their development time is unknown. Breeding season is unknown.

Similar Species

Looks similar to Litoria nannotis, Litoria nyakalensis, and Litoria rheocola in its distribution, but is smaller and has fewer black nuptial spines than Litoria nannotis, has more mottling than Litoria rheocola, and is smaller than Litoria nannotis.