Leaf Green Tree Frog

Taxobox | name = Leaf Green Tree Frog
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1
trend = stable


image_width = 240px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Amphibia
ordo = Anura
familia = Hylidae
genus = "Litoria"
species = "L. phyllochroa"
binomial = "Litoria phyllochroa"
binomial_authority = Günther, 1863
range_

range_map_caption = Distribution of the Leaf Green Tree FrogThe Leaf Green Tree Frog ("Litoria phyllochroa") is a species of stream-dwelling frog, native to eastern Australia from the Queensland/New South Wales border south to Sydney.

Physical description

This is a fairly small species of tree frog, up to about 40mm in length. It can be light green to dark olive green to brown on the dorsal surface. There is a pale golden stripe that runs from the nostril, through the eye, over the typanum and down the side. This is underlined by a dark brown stripe, which also goes over the typanum, not through it. The forelimbs, groin and thighs are dark red. The toes are three-quarters webbed and toe discs are large. The belly is white.

Ecology & behaviour

This species inhabits flowing streams in rainforest, woodland and wet or dry sclerophyll forest along the coast and ranges of New South Wales. Males make an erk..ek..ek call from streamside vegetation during spring, summer and autumn, especially on warm nights after rain. This frog is often seen in suburban creeks around Sydney.

Key

This key distinguishes between the physical differences of the Leaf Green Tree Frog ("L. phyllochroa"), Southern Leaf Green Tree Frog ("L. nudidigitus") and frogs that represent species described as Pearson's Green Tree Frog ("L. pearsoniana") and Mountain Stream Tree Frog ("L. barringtonensis"). All of these are very closely related and look similar. The taxonomy of these species is under review.

Distribution:

"L. barringtonensis" = Mid-north coast of NSW.
"L. nudidigitus" = South of Sydney, NSW
"L. phyllochroa" = From Sydney, NSW, to the NSW/Qld border.
"L. pearsoniana" = North-east NSW and South-east Qld.

Dorsal Surface

"L. barringtonensis" = Black dots present, usually very distinct and many dots. (see photo)
"L. nudidigitus" = No black dots present.
"L. phyllochroa" = No black dots present.
"L. pearsoniana" = Black dots usually present (not as distinct and not as many as "L. barringtonensis"), although some specimens have none, or very few. (see photo)

Tympanum:

"L. barringtonensis" = Distinct, no colouration.
"L. nudidigitus" = Indistinct, no coluration.
"L. phyllochroa" = Distinct, no colouration.
"L. pearsoniana" = Distinct, brown in colour

Shoulder and Groin Colouration:

"L. barringtonensis" = None present.
"L. nudidigitus" = Red to black colouration (shoulder), red (groin).
"L. phyllochroa" = Red-brown colouration (shoulder), red (groin).
"L. pearsoniana" = None present.

Head Stripe:

"L. barringtonensis" = Light brown or yellow, passes over the tympanum.
"L. nudidigitus" = Gold with a black underline, passes over the tympanum.
"L. phyllochroa" = Gold with a dark brown underline, passes over the tympanum.
"L. pearsoniana" = Light brown with a thicker brown underline, passes through the tympanum.

ources

*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=178 Frogs Australia Network] -frog call available here.
* [http://fats.org.au/frogs/frogs/lphyllochroa.html Frog and Tadpole Study Group]

References

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