19 May 2008

White-footed Trilling Frog - Neobatrachus albipes

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White-footed Trilling Frog - Neobatrachus albipes

This is another difficult frog to visually identify by its coloration alone as it is similar in size to a small Sand Frog (to 50 mm). I find the quickest way of separating these frogs is to examine their flanks and if covered in small white bumps, then it belongs to the genus Heleioporus, but if smooth then Neobatrachus. Common coloration for this frog (although absent or highly variable with many) is a pale brownish back with darker irregular markings and an often incomplete thin pale ventral stripe over the head region and/or faintly along the back. Between the eyes is often a broad 'V' marking. The belly and feet are smooth and creamy white. The most obvious identification feature however is a small swelling below the little toe on the back legs called the metatarsal tubercle. Their individual call can be heard here: http://frogsaustralia.net.au/frogs/display.cfm?frog_id=53