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Desert tree frog

Litoria rubella

Description:

The desert tree frog or little red tree frog is rotund, with a small, flat head. It has short arms and strong, short legs. Adults are 28-43 mm in snout-vent length. Its ventral surface is white, and the dorsal surface ranges from light grey to dark red and has small black flecks. Adult specimens from Cooktown, Queensland, often show a pronounced metallic sheen on the dorsal surface, ranging in colour from bronze to gold. A dark band runs from the snout, across the eye, and along the flanks of the frog. The throats of males in breeding season are a dark grey colour. The groin is lemon-yellow, and the tympanum is visible. Baby frogs have an almost transparent abdomen, allowing a clear view of their abdominal organs.

Habitat:

Native to Australia and southern New Guinea. It is one of Australia's most widely distributed frogs, inhabiting northern Australia, including desert regions and much of temperate eastern Australia. It is one of the few Australian tree frogs to inhabit arid, tropical, and temperate climates. Unlike most desert frogs, it does not burrow to avoid heat and desiccation. It will seek out shelter under rocks, trees, or leaf litter. They are commonly found around human dwellings, where water is available, and can be found in sinks or drain pipes.

Notes:

Spotted in a public bathroom in Mirani, Australia.

1 Species ID Suggestions

Rana de árbol del desierto
Litoria rubéola


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1 Comment

Jae
Jae 9 years ago

Thank you goku18082002.

Jae
Spotted by
Jae

Queensland, Australia

Spotted on Jan 21, 2010
Submitted on May 18, 2014

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