Striped Marsh Frog

Description:

An Australian native, the Striped Marsh Frog is a large wetland-dwelling frog and voracious hunter, and eats almost any animal smaller than itself, including small frogs. Its distribution extends along the east coast from Queensland to South Australia. The distinct markings of this frog make it easy to distinguish from all other species of its size. Its conspicuous golden or light brown back with dark brown or black stripes is unique. Adult length is usually about 60mm. Pointed snout (when viewed from above). Long fingers and toes; fingers with no webbing, toes with only traces of webbing. The mating call is a short, sharp 'toc'. (Some information referenced from the book - Wildlife of Greater Brisbane - a Queensland Museum publication)

Habitat:

Adults can be found in rainforests, wet and dry forests, woodlands, shrublands, open and disturbed areas where they frequent swamps, flooded grasslands, pools and ponds. Eggs and tadpoles are found in still or very slow moving water in swamps, lakes, dams, and isolated ponds. It is most commonly associated with wetlands and permanent water and shelters among reeds and other debris. This one was found in a suburban backyard in inner-city Brisbane. Needless to say, garden ponds are a favourite habitat in suburbia.

Notes:

My cat Jasper is very fond of 'catch & release', usually releasing his catches inside the house. With the exception of mice, rats, and grasshoppers, he rarely kills his other catches. He's obviously had some fun with this frog because it's covered with dust and hair. When I found them together, the frog was puffed up to its maximum size. Once released back into the garden, it deflated to its normal size. PS: In the last photo in this series you can see the reflection of my hand and camera in the frog's eye.