Broad Palmed Frog

Taxobox | name = Broad Palmed 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 = Hylidae
genus = "Litoria"
species = "L. latopalmata"
binomial = "Litoria latopalmata"
binomial_authority = Gunther, 1867
range_

range_map_width = 240px
range_map_caption = Distribution of the Broad Palmed Frog The Broad Palmed Frog ("Litoria latopalmata") is an Australian ground-dwelling tree frog. It is native to much of eastern Australia. They can be found from mid-Queensland to south of Sydney NSW. It is associated with the coast and inland, and is distributed as far west in NSW to the SA boarder.

Physical Description

This frog is pale to dark brown on it dorsal surface, it can have darker blotches or variegations. Its skin is smooth, with the occasional wart on its back. A black band runs from the snout, through the eye and tympanum, and breaks into blotches down its side. A white line breaks the black band in front of the eye, and runs under the eye. The thighs are marbled yellow and black and the armpit is yellow. The lower lip is normally marbled black and white. The belly is white.

Ecology and Behaviour

The Broad Palmed Frog will call in a large chorus during mating season, around a still water source, this is normally a dam, but can be a roadside ditch, temporary puddle or still areas of a stream. The call is a short "quark" repeated continuously. This species of frog can be found great distances away from breeding area and inhabits open country or forest.

Up to 350 eggs are laid in a mass either floating or attached to vegetation. This eggs mass will often sink once disturbed. Hatching occurs 3-6 days after laying, depending on temperature. Tadpoles are sandy gold and reach a maximum size of 49mm. The developmental period is short, as eggs are often laid in very temporary water. Metamorph frogs resemble the adult and measure from 14-17mm in length.

Sources

*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=160 Frogs Australia Network] -frog call available here.

References

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