Bleating tree frog
| Bleating tree frog | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Hylidae |
| Genus: | Litoria |
| Species: | L. dentata |
| Binomial name | |
| Litoria dentata Keferstein, 1868 | |
 | |
| Distribution of the bleating tree frog. | |
The bleating tree frog or Keferstein's tree frog (Litoria dentata) is a tree frog of the family Hylidae. This frog is native to coastal eastern Australia, from south-eastern Queensland, to around Eden, New South Wales.
Description
The frog is small (45 millimetres) in length. The dorsal surface of this frog is a dark or pale, rich brown, with broad irregular, lighter bands on each side of the frog starting from the back of the eye. A dark stripe runs from the snout, through the eye and onto the tympanum. There is a white bar directly under the eye. The ventral surface is light cream, although in breeding males can be yellow. The fingers are one-third webbed, and toes are two thirds webbed. The tympanum is visible. The iris is a strong rusty red colour. During the breeding season males become a yellowish colour.
Ecology and behaviour
This frog is associated with coastal lagoons, ponds and swamps, in heathland, sclerophyll forest and cleared farmland. The bleating tree frog is well known for its loud, high-pitched call, which can be painful to humans nearby. Males call from vegetation or ground around the breeding site. Mass breeding and calling can take place on warm, wet, overcast nights during spring and summer.
As a pet
It is kept as a pet, in Australia this animal may be kept in captivity with the appropriate permit.
References
- Hero et al. (2004). Litoria dentata. 2006. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. www.iucnredlist.org. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes a range map and a brief justification of why this species is of least concern
- Article Road: List of All Frog Breeds: Things You Can Do to Ensure Your Frog Has a Long, Happy and Healthy Life: Bleating Tree Frog
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, New South Wales: Amphibian Keeper's Licence: Species Lists
- Cogger, H.G. 1979. Reptiles & Amphibians of Australia. A. H. & A. W. REED PTY LTD ISBN 0-589-50108-9
- Anstis, M. 2002. Tadpoles of South-eastern Australia. Reed New Holland: Sydney.
- Robinson, M. 2002. A Field Guide to Frogs of Australia. Australian Museum/Reed New Holland: Sydney.
- Frogs Australia Network-frog call available here.