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.

Spotted-thighed Frog - Litoria cyclorhyncha

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Spotted-thighed Frog - Litoria cyclorhyncha

The largest Tree Frog in the district growing to over 70 mm in length. These frogs are good climbers with prominent gripping discs on their toes and strongly webbed back feet. The species is easily identified by the pronounced cream spots on the thighs. A different species Litoria moorei, the Motorbike Frog is of similar appearance, but does not have these spots; it also occurs further around the coast from the southwest corner to north of Perth. The Spotted-thighed Frog is often attracted to house lights in search of insects and will make use of any water in any type of container to rehydrate after a warm day.

Update: 3 March 2009
Last night we had a little light rain that brought out the Slender Tree Frogs, Litoria adelaidensis (Frogs - Slender Tree Frog) who is a small, but very active frog that usually climbs the glass windows and doors to hunt moths and other insects. I did note this particular Slender Tree Frog on the glass door, but when I returned 10-15 minutes later, it was no longer on the door, but firmly clamped in the mouth and later consumed by the larger Spotted-thighed Tree Frog.

I have often said that frogs will eat almost anything that will fit into their cavernous mouths, but I had not considered another, and in this case highly mobile frog, but it just gos to show the opportunistic nature of some creatures, even cute looking ones! This predatory Spotted-thighed Frog was only half grown too and like others of its race, often hangs around the veranda to catch wayward insects attracted to the light, but this time ended up with a more substantial meal.

Spotted-thighed Frog eating a Slender Tree Frog