Better late than Never – Frogging Around

Good things come to those who wait – and a lot of people had been waiting! Tuesday marked the beginning of what was to be the wettest period in about 9 months, so I jumped at the opportunity to see what amphibian life had taken opportunity of the 70mm downpour.

A friend of mine; David, kindly agreed to go frogging on very short notice, so we headed to Roy’s Rd, near the scientific area reserve. I haven’t seen a new species in over a year so hoped I might have out there. Despite hearing and seeing several frog species, none of which were new to me.

Graceful treefrog (Litoria gracilenta) displaying characteristic purple colouring behind legs — Graceful treefrog (*Litoria gracilenta*) displaying characteristic purple colouring behind legs

I was however very pleased to have snapped some much better photos of the Copper-backed broodfrog (Pseudophryne raveni), of which I haven’t found often before.

Copper-backed broodfrog (Pseudophryne raveni). A very difficult species to find hidden amongst decaying leaf litter. — Copper-backed broodfrog (*Pseudophryne raveni*). A very difficult species to find hidden amongst decaying leaf litter.

Copper-backed broodfrog (Pseudophryne raveni). They have a quite monotone copper back. — Copper-backed broodfrog (*Pseudophryne raveni*). They have a quite monotone copper back.

Wallum froglet (Crinia tinnula), a threatened species — Wallum froglet (*Crinia tinnula*), a threatened species

Belly shot of the wallum froglet (Crinia tinnula). Crinia species can be very difficult to distinguish, so often the only way to tell are by the patterning/markings on their stomach. — Belly shot of the wallum froglet (*Crinia tinnula*). Crinia species can be very difficult to distinguish, so often the only way to tell are by the patterning/markings on their stomach.

We found a few other species, the green treefrog (Litoria caerulea) and the striped wallum frog (Litoria freycineti), before heading off home.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply