Eastern Banjo Frog

Taxobox
name = Eastern Banjo Frog
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1
trend = stable

---

image_caption = Eastern Banjo Frog ("Limnodynastes dumerilii dumerilii")
image_width = 250px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Amphibia
ordo = Anura
subordo = Neobatrachia
familia = Myobatrachidae
subfamilia = Limnodynastinae
genus = "Limnodynastes"
species = "L. dumerilii"
binomial = "Limnodynastes dumerilii"
binomial_authority = Peters, 1863
subdivision_ranks = Sub Species
subdivision = "Limnodynastes dumerilii dumerilii"
Peters, 1863
"Limnodynastes dumerilii fryi"
Martin, 1972
"Limnodynastes dumerilii grayi"
Steindachner, 1867
"Limnodynastes dumerilii insularis"
Parker, 1940
"Limnodynastes dumerilii variegata"
Martin, 1972

range_

range_map_width = 240px
range_map_caption = Distribution of the Eastern Banjo Frog.

The Eastern Banjo Frog, "Limnodynastes dumerilli", is a frog species from the family Myobatrachidae. It is native to eastern Australia and has been introduced to New Zealand. The frog is also commonly called the pobblebonk after its distinctive "bonk" call, which is likened to a banjo string being plucked. There are five subspecies of "L. dumerilli", each with different skin colouration (for more detail see sub-species below).

Adults are roughly seven to eight centimetres long with dark warty backs, a prominent tibial gland, fleshy metatarsal tubercules and a smooth white or mottled belly. The tadpole stage is relatively long, lasting up to fifteen months. Pobblebonks are common.

ubspecies

The five subspecies of "Limnodynastes dumerilii" are:

Eastern Banjo Frog, "Limnodynastes dumerilii dumerilii"

This is the most widespread of the five subspecies. It is mostly associated with the slopes and ranges of New South Wales, northern Victoria and the Murray River into South Australia. This subspecies normally inhabits woodland, heathland and farmland. Breeding takes place in streams, ponds and dams. Males of this subspecies have the most characteristic banjo like "bonk" of the all the subspecies. They are distinguished from other subspecies by more orange present on the flank and an orange raised stripe present from the eye to the shoulder. The subspecies is normally one solid colour on the dorsal surface.

Eastern Banjo Frog, "Limnodynastes dumerilii grayi"

This subspecies occurs along the coast of New South Wales, south to Jervis Bay. It inhabits coastal swamps, dams, ponds associated with forest and heathland. This species doesn't breed in flowing water, which helps with distinguishing it from "L. d. dumerilii" in places where both occur. This is the most variegated of the subspecies, often with patches or blotches of a different colour on the dorsal surface. The call of this species sounds more like a "tok", similar but louder than the Striped Marsh Frog.

nowy Mountains Banjo Frog, "Limnodynastes dumerilii fryi"

This is the most restricted of the subspecies. It is only found in the Snowy Mountains area of south-eastern New South Wales. Males call from ponds or pools of streams in spring and summer. Due to its restricted range it is unlikely to be confused with other subspecies, however it is pale on the dorsal surface with fairly indistinct patches or variegations.

outhern Banjo Frog, "Limnodynastes dumerilii insularis"

This subspecies occurs south of Jervis Bay, along the south coast of New South Wales, in eastern Victoria and throughout Tasmania. It is characterised and distinguished by blue colouration present on the flank. There is often a pale mid-dorsal stripe. Males call from a concealed position in water during spring, summer and autumn.

outhern Banjo Frog, "Limnodynastes dumerilii variegata"

This subspecies is very similar to "Limnodynastes dumerilii insularis". This subspecies occurs in western Victoria and south-eastern South Australia. It is chiefly distinguished by range.

Ecology and behaviour

"Limnodynastes dumerilli" is a burrowing frog. During dry times, and often just during the day, they will burrow underground. They will often be seen in large numbers after rain, and under the right conditions mass spawning can occur over just a few days. They have been known to call while underground, and can do so at any time of the year after rain.

Distribution map

The distribution map on this page shows all the subspecies-"Limnodynastes dumerilii dumerilii" in blue; "Limnodynastes dumerilii grayi" in red; "Limnodynastes dumerilii insularis" in green; "Limnodynastes dumerilii fryi" in pink and "Limnodynastes dumerilii variegata" in yellow. This is a general distribution map and it is possible for an overlap of about 5% of the range of sub-species adjacent to each other.

Related species

In Western Australia the Western Banjo Frog, "Limnodynastes dorsalis", is common around Perth. It also has a musical, resonant "plonk" call and is also called a pobblebonk.

In Queensland, the Scarlet-sided Pobblebonk, "Limnodynastes terraereginae", is a small fat frog with distinctive orange or red irregular markings.

In Western New South Wales, the Giant Banjo Frog, "Limnodynastes interioris", is a similar species that tends to inhabit more arid areas than "Limnodynastes dumerilii".

References

* Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is of least concern

External links

* [http://www.museum.vic.gov.au/infosheets/10255.pdf Museum of Victoria facts sheet on Eastern Pobblebonk]
* [http://frogs.org.au/frogs/species/Limnodynastes/dumerili/ Frogs of Australia]
* [http://www.frogsaustralia.net.au/frogs/display.cfm?frog_id=36 Frogs Australia Network]