South Coast Froglet - Crinia subinsignifera

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South Coast Froglet - Crinia subinsignifera

Usually a very dark colored small frog, which is extremely difficult to separate from some forms of the Bleating Froglet, Crinia pseudinsignifera that are of similar size (around 25 mm in length). To further complicate identification, it too often co-inhabits low-lying areas in the Esperance region that are subject to winter flooding.

Besides their calls which are quite different, the easiest way I have found to visually tell them apart is by the coloration of their belly. The South Coast Froglet has a largely dark grey or brown belly with relatively little white, but plenty of dark brown, grey, black and white flecks. The Bleating Froglet on the other hand has a largely white belly with relatively few black or dark grey flecks, although breeding males have a dark grey bottom jaw. Their distinctive call can be heard here: http://frogsaustralia.net.au/frogs/display.cfm?frog_id=16

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

Quacking Frog - Crinia georgiana

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Quacking Frog - Crinia georgiana

A small frog usually between 30-40 mm (excluding legs) with an amazing camouflage ability. Its striped coloration blends well with the swampy sedge vegetation where it normally lives, but the skin can be smooth, folded and/or granular to totally break its outline (above is a photo where the frog is central and makes up most of the picture, but is almost invisible). If you do spot one, it is easy to recognise by the golden or red upper eyelids and often bright red groin. The belly and chin tend to have a random distribution of darker spots over a brown/grey background. The Quacking Frog also has a distinctive call that can be heard here: http://frogsaustralia.net.au/frogs/display.cfm?frog_id=6