Brown Tree Frog
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| Litoria ewingii Duméril & Bibron, 1841 |
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 Native distribution of the Brown Tree Frog
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The Brown tree Frog, (Litoria ewingii) is a species of tree frog native to southern New South Wales, from about Ulladulla, however the are reports of this species occurring further north. It occurs in most of southern Victoria and eastern South Australia. It is found throughout all of Tasmania, including Bass Strait Islands, and is the most frequently encountered frog in that state. It has been introduced to New Zealand.
[edit] Physical description
This species reaches 45 mm in length. It is pale to dark brown on the dorsal surface, with a broad darker patch starting at the eyes and covering the majority of the back. There is a dark band starting at the nostril which struns through the eye and tympanum to the shoulder, there is a pale stripe below this which runs from the mouth to the arm. The back of the thighs are red, there is no black marbling present, distinguishing this species from the similar Verreaux's Tree Frog, (Litoria verreauxii). The belly is cream.
[edit] Ecology and behaviour
This species is found in a wide range of habitats. This includes forest, farmland, heathland, semi-arid areas, alpine regions and suburban areas. Males make a whistling weep-weep-weep call from beside or floating in the water of, dams, ditches, ponds and streamside pools. Males call all year round, particularly after rain.
[edit] References
- 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.
- Frogs of Australia
