Bleating Tree Frog

Taxobox | name = Bleating Tree Frog
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1
trend = down

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image_width = 240px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Amphibia
ordo = Anura
familia = Hylidae
genus = "Litoria"
species = "L. dentata"
binomial = "Litoria dentata"
binomial_authority = Keferstein, 1868
range_

range_map_width = 240px
range_map_caption = Distribution of the Bleating Tree Frog.The Bleating Tree Frog or Keferstein's Tree Frog ("Litoria dentata") is a tree frog of the genus "Litoria". This frog is native to coastal eastern Australia, from south-eastern Queensland, to around Eden, New South Wales.

Physical Description

The frog is small (45 millimetres) in length. The dorsal surface of this frog is a dark or pale, rich brown, with broad irrigular, lighter bands on each side of the frog starting from the back of the eye. A dark stripe runs from the snout, through the eye and onto the tympanum. There is a white bar directly under the under. The ventral surface is light cream, although in breeding males can be yellow. The fingers are one-third webbed, and toes are two thirds webbed. The tympanum is visible. The iris is a strong rusty red colour. During the breeding season males become a yellowish colour.

Ecology and Behaviour

This frog is associated with coastal lagoons, ponds and swamps, in heathland, sclerophyll forest and cleared farmland. The Bleating Tree Frog is well known for its loud, high pitched call, which can be painful to humans nearby. Males call from vegetation or ground around the breeding site. Mass breeding and calling can take place on warm, wet, overcast nights during spring and summer.

References

* Database entry includes a range map and a brief justification of why this species is of least concern
*Cogger, H.G. 1979. "Reptiles & Amphibians of Australia". A. H. & A. W. REED PTY LTD ISBN 0-589-50108-9
*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.
* [http://frogsaustralia.net.au/frogs/display.cfm?frog_id=147 Frogs Australia Network] -frog call available here.