Northern Banjo Frog

Northern Banjo Frog
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Myobatrachidae
Subfamily:	Limnodynastinae
Genus:	Limnodynastes
Species:	L. terraereginae
Binomial name
Limnodynastes terraereginae Fry, 1915

The Northern Banjo Frog (Limnodynastes terraereginae) is a species of ground-dwelling burrowing frog native to eastern Queensland and northeastern New South Wales, Australia.

Physical description

It is a large species of frog reaching 75 mm in length. It is brown above with occasional darker flecks. There is red-orange or scarlet markings in the thigh and flanks, which gives this species it other common name, the Scarlet-sided Pobblebonk. There is a dark band which runs from the snouth to the shoulder. It is underlined by a raised cream to orange bar. The armpit is orange and the belly is white.

Ecology and behaviour

It is a burrowing species and will spend time underground during dry periods. It is associated with dams, flooded areas and ditches in forest, woodland, cleared land or farmland. Males make a high pitched "bonk" call from concealed positions in water after heavy rains from October to May.

Eggs are laid in a large floating foamy mass. Tadpoles hatch about 2 to 3 days after laying. Tadpoles are very dark brown and reach 70 mm. Tadpole development takes about 70 days and metamorphs measure 20 mm and resemble the adult, however thigh colouration does not become apparent until about 1 week later.

Similar species

It is similar to the Eastern Banjo Frog, from which it can be distinguished by the red thigh colouration.

References

• Robinson, M. 2002. A Field Guide to Frogs of Australia. Australian Museum/Reed New Holland: Sydney.
• Anstis, M. 2002. Tadpoles of South-eastern Australia. Reed New Holland: Sydney.
• Frogs Australia Network - Scarlet Sided Pobblebonk - frog call available here