Litoria pearsoniana


Pearson's Stream Frog

Photos

  • Litoria pearsoniana
    Photo: Jasmine Vink
  • Litoria pearsoniana
    Photo: Stephen Mahony
  • Litoria pearsoniana
    Photo: Jodi Rowley
  • Litoria pearsoniana
    Photo: Thomas Parkin

Distribution

Distribution map for Litoria pearsoniana
Found only in southeast QLD and far northeastern NSW along the coast and ranges, but has declined due to the amphibian chytrid fungus and has now nearly disappeared from some known sites.

Conservation Status

What does it mean?

Federal Conservation Status (EPBC Act)

Unlisted

IUCN Red List

Least Concern

Photos

  • Litoria pearsoniana
    Photo: Jasmine Vink
  • Litoria pearsoniana
    Photo: Stephen Mahony
  • Litoria pearsoniana
    Photo: Jodi Rowley
  • Litoria pearsoniana
    Photo: Thomas Parkin

Frog Calls

Call recorded by Jodi Rowley

Call recorded by Chris Sanderson

Call recorded by Brett Malcolm

Calling Period

Species Information

Description

A medium-sized species of frog that can reach nearly 4 cm in body length. It has a bright green, grey-brown, or yellow-brown back, with or without black spots. There is a thin gold or silver stripe that extends from the tip of the snout to the eye, then around the top of the eye to the side. There is also a black stripe that follows underneath the gold or silver stripe. There is often a green patch under the eye if the back is grey-brown or yellow-brown. The pupil is horizontal, and the iris is gold. The armpits, groin, and backs of the thighs are pale red. Fingers are only slightly webbed and toes are nearly fully webbed, both with large discs. A taxonomic revision of the Australian treefrogs published in June 2025 has suggested that this species be placed in the genus Dryopsophus, resulting in the proposed species name of Dryopsophus pearsoniana.

Habitats

Occurs near streams in wet sclerophyll forest and rainforest.

Breeding Biology

Eggs are laid as a cluster that is attached to rocks below the surface of the water in stream pools. Tadpoles can reach a total length of up to 3 cm and are dark brown in colour. They often remain at the bottom of water bodies and avoid the fast-flowing stream sections. It is unknown how long they take to develop into frogs, but are likely similar to Litoria phyllochroa, taking at least two months. Breeds during spring to summer.

Similar Species

Looks very similar to Litoria barringtonensis, Litoria kroombitensis, Litoria nudidigita, Litoria piperata and Litoria phyllochroa. These species can be distinguished most easily by their different calls and distributions, although research is currently underway at the Australian Museum that may reveal more about how to distinguish them.