17 May 2008

Slender Tree Frog - Litoria adelaidensis

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Slender Tree Frog - Litoria adelaidensis

I have shown several photos of this frog to illustrate the enormous color variation that typifies some species. All the above were discovered within 1 km of each other, yet more variations could still be found. Fortunately, this is a very distinctive frog being very slender with a pointy nose. The only other tree frog in the district is the very much larger and more solidly built Spotted-thighed Frog that is not easily confused with this slightly built Slender Tree Frog, which is less than 50 mm in length (excluding legs). Like other Tree Frogs it also has the rounded discs on its toes that are used for climbing and are often used to effortlessly cling to windows to hunt moths attracted to the light. The most obvious feature of this frog however is the dark stripe that runs through the eye and down its flanks, and is usually underlined by a thinner creamy white one. Another distinguishing feature is the bright red or orange on the thighs, although with some, this can be reduced to a pink flush. The Slender Tree Frog does not usually move far from its water source and if that dries during summer, it will hide in a moist spot until it rains.