Long-thumbed Frog

Taxobox | name = Long-thumbed Frog
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1
trend = stable

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image_width = 240px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Amphibia
ordo = Anura
familia = Myobatrachidae
subfamilia = Limnodynastinae
genus = "Limnodynastes"
species = "L. fletcheri"
binomial = "Limnodynastes fletcheri"
binomial_authority = Boulenger, 1888
range_

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The Long-thumbed Frog, Fletcher's Frog or Barking Marsh Frog ("Limnodynastes fletcheri") is a species of ground dwelling frog native to southeastern Australia.

Physical description

The Long-thumbed Frog is a medium sized frog reaching about 50 mm in length. It is grey or brown with abnormal shaped darker patches or irregular spots, and in most individuals a butterfly-shaped patch between the eyes. There is normally a red or purplish patch above the eye. It is similar in many respects to the Spotted Grass Frog ("Limnodynastes tasmaniensis") from which it can be distinguished by the larger irregular shaped blotches. The belly is white. The tympanum is indistinct.

Behaviour and ecology

This species inhabits drier areas west of the ranges of New South Wales as well as southern Queensland, northern Victoria and eastern South Australia. It is associated with rivers, dams and creeks (often temporary) in woodland and grassland. During drier conditions they shelter under rocks, in cracked mud and yabby burrows.

Males make a dog-like "rok" or "whuck" call from grassy areas around the edge of water bodies, after rain or when water levels are high, during spring to autumn. Breeding occurs mostly after heavy rain and eggs are laid in a floating foamy mass, often attached to vegetation. Tadpoles reach 69 mm and because it is an opportunistic breeder metamorphosis can occur at any time of the year. The tadpoles are very similar to "Limnodynastes tasmaniensis" and cannot be readily distinguished until metamorphosis.

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.