Brown Tree Frog

Taxobox | name = Brown Tree Frog
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1


regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Amphibia
ordo = Anura
familia = Hylidae
genus = "Litoria"
species = "L. ewingii"
binomial = "Litoria ewingii"
binomial_authority = Duméril & Bibron, 1841
range_

range_map_caption = Native distribution of the Brown Tree FrogThe Brown tree Frog, ("Litoria ewingii") is a species of tree frog native to southern New South Wales, from about Ulladulla, however there are reports of this species occurring further north. It occurs in most of southern Victoria and eastern South Australia. It is found throughout all of Tasmania, including Bass Strait Islands, and is the most frequently encountered frog in that state. It has been introduced to New Zealand, where it can be locally abundant.

Physical description

This species reaches 45 mm in length. It is pale to dark brown on the dorsal surface, with a broad darker patch starting at the eyes and covering the majority of the back. There is a dark band starting at the nostril which runs through the eye and tympanum to the shoulder, there is a pale white stripe below this which runs from the mouth to the arm. The back of the thighs are red, there is no black marbling present (except specimens from the Adelaide region), distinguishing this species from the similar Verreaux's Tree Frog, ("Litoria verreauxii"). Some specimens from western Victoria and south eastern South Australia can be partially or entirely green. The belly is cream.

Ecology and behaviour

This species is found in a wide range of habitats. This includes forest, farmland, heathland, semi-arid areas, alpine regions and suburban areas. They are particularly common in parts of suburban Adelaide, Melbourne and Hobart, where they are often observed upon window panes at night, attracted by flying insects. Males make a whistling weep-weep-weep call from beside or floating in the water of, dams, ditches, ponds and streamside pools. Males call all year round, particularly after rain. Eggs are easily identifiable, being wound around submerged grass stems, aquatic vegetation and sticks.

References

*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=151 Frogs Australia Network] -frog call available here.
* [http://frogs.org.au/frogs/species/Litoria/ewingi/ Frogs of Australia]