Stoney Creek Frog

Taxobox | name = Stoney Creek Frog
status = LC

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image_width = 240px
image_caption = Male with breeding colouration
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Amphibia
ordo = Anura
familia = Hylidae
genus = "Litoria"
species = "L. wilcoxi"
binomial = "Litoria wilcoxi"
binomial_authority = Gunther, 1864
range_

range_map_width = 240px
range_map_caption = Distribution of the Stoney Creek Frog

The Stoney Creek Frog, is a ground dwelling tree frog (of the family Hylidae, genus "Litoria"), found in Eastern Australia.

Physical Description

Female Stoney Creek Frogs reach a maximum snout–vent length (SVL) of convert|70|mm|in. The male's maximum SVL is convert|43|mm|in. It has reduced toe pads. Like most frogs, the colour of the Stoney Creek Frog is variable. The dorsal and ventral surfaces range from grey to brown. A thin, black line runs from the snout to the eye, widens after the eye, and continues uninterrupted until the base of the arm. The posterior thighs will be black with yellow or green spots (sometimes hard to detect on a first glance basis).

During the mating season, the males congregate around streams/rivers and develop a brilliant lemon-yellow pigment on their skin, which can range from completely covering the body, to just covering the dorsal surface. The brightness of the yellow may vary between individuals.

Can be mistaken for "Litoria latopalmata". Tell the difference by posterior thigh markings.

Ecology and behaviour

This species is found in woodland, rainforest and sclerophyll forest. It is normally associated with rocky flowing streams, however it will also inhabit dams in suitable forest.

The Stoney Creek Frog is unusual in relation to most of the "Litoria" genus because it lacks a vocal sack. The call is a series of soft trills, which can only be heard within a few metres of the frog. The frog will call near both moving and still water sources.

Taxonomy

This species is almost identical physiologically to Lesueur's Frog ("Litoria lesueuri") and is identical physiologically to "Litoria jungguy". It can be distinguished from Lesueur's Frog by the presence of blue spots on the thigh, which are missing in the Stoney Creek Frog. Geographical distribution and genetic testing are the only methods of differentiating the Stoney Creek Frog and "Litoria jungguy".

References

*Cogger, H.G. 1979. "Reptiles & Amphibians of Australia". A. H. & A. W. REED PTY LTD ISBN 0-589-50108-9
*Meyer, E., Hines, H. & Hero, J.M. 2001. "Wet Forest Frogs of South-East Queensland". Griffith University, Gold Coast.
* [http://frogs.org.au/frogs/species/Litoria/wilcoxi/ Frogs of Australia] --accessed 11 May 2006