New Holland Frog
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| Cyclorana novaehollandiae Steindachner, (1867) |
The New Holland Frog (Cyclorana novaehollandiae) is a large species of burrowing frog native to northern New South Wales and the eastern 3 quarters of Queensland, Australia.
[edit] Physical description
It is a large species reaching a maximum size of 100 mm. It is normally pale grey, brown or yellowish, occasionally with darker blotches. The belly is white and the throat is speckled. A dark stripe runs from the snout, through the Tympanum and down to the shoulder. There is normally a dark band which runs from under the eye down to the mouth. The thighs are blueish in colour. The toes are slightly webbed.
[edit] Ecology and behaviour
This species is associated with black soil plains and flood plains near rivers. They inhabit dams, ditches and claypans in woodland and grassland. Being a burrowing species they spend extended periods underground in order to survive dry conditions. After heavy rains fall during spring, summer and early autumn, frogs become very active and males make a deep "waah" call from in or beside water.
Up to 1000 eggs per clump are laid in a non foamy masses in shallow water. These clumps are initially floating but later sink. An average of 4906 eggs are laid. Tadpoles are large reaching 95-100 mm and are rotund and golden brown. Tadpoles life span is 4 to 6 weeks and metamorphs measure 35-40 mm. They resemble the adult, although the may be bright green in colour.
[edit] References
- Robinson, M. 2002. A Field Guide to Frogs of Australia. Australian Museum/Reed New Holland: Sydney.
- Anstis, M. 2002. Tadpoles of South-eastern Australia. Reed New Holland: Sydney.
- Frogs Australia Network - New Holland Frog - frog call available here
