25 May 2008

Bleating Froglet - Crinia pseudinsignifera

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Bleating Froglet - Crinia pseudinsignifera

A small frog of around 25 mm, commonly found in low-lying areas subject to winter flooding. Very similar looking to some forms of the larger Quacking Frog, Crinia georgiana and the South Coast Froglet, Crinia subinsignifera, but they generally have less wavy folded skin on their back and although still covered in many small bumps, are in comparison smoother and consequently less camouflaged.

The Bleating Froglet differs from the Quacking Frog by being smaller and not having red thighs nor golden or red eyelids. The best way to distinguish the Bleating Froglet from the South Coast Froglet is by the markings on the belly. The Bleating Froglet has a granular white belly marked by flecks of black, plus the breeding male has a darker chin area. The South Coast Froglet by comparison has a much darker belly with relatively little white, but with numerous dark flecks and a smudged brown/grey coloring. The call is quite distinctive though and may be heard here: http://frogsaustralia.net.au/frogs/display.cfm?frog_id=11