Slender Tree Frog

Taxobox | name = Slender Tree Frog
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1
trend = stable


image_width = 240px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Amphibia
ordo = Anura
familia = Hylidae
genus = "Litoria"
species = "L. adelaidensis"
binomial = "Litoria adelaidensis"
binomial_authority = Gray, 1841
range_

range_map_width = 240px
range_map_caption = Distribution of the Slender Tree Frog

The Slender Tree Frog ("Litoria adelaidensis") is a tree frog native to southwestern Australia.

Physical description

As suggested by its name, the Slender Tree Frog has a very slender build. It has a thin, flat body with a flat, pointed snout. The dorsal surface varies in colour, from completely brown or green, to brown with green patches. The flanks of the body have a dark brown or black stripe, which runs through the eye to the nostril; the line is much narrower between the nostril and the eye. The ventral surface is white, and the inside of the thighs have bright red spots. The tympanum is large and distinct. The fingers are mostly unwebbed and the toes are three-quarter webbed. They reach a length of 4.7 centimetres (1.9 in) from snout to vent.

Ecology and behaviour

Males call near a still water source to attract females; the call is a harsh "screech". Breeding occurs in early spring. The Slender Tree Frog is found in permanent swamps and lagoons, often at the water's edge amongst the vegetation.

References

*cite book| last=Barker| first=J.| coauthors= Grigg, G.C. & Tyler, M.J.| year=1995| title=A Field Guide to Australian Frogs| publisher=Surrey Beatty & Sons| id=ISBN 0-949324-61-2
*cite web| title=Amphibian Species of the World - Litoria adelaidensis (Gray, 1841)| url=http://research.amnh.org/herpetology/amphibia/references.php?id=13139| accessdate=2006-08-28