Eastern Banjo Frog

(Limnodynastes dumerili)

http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/epa/frogcensus/dumeril.html

Distribution

Kangaroo island, throughout South-Eastern South Australia generally towards the coast. Also found on the Southern Eyre Peninsula.

Habitat

Burrows in loamy soils and emerges to feed and breed after rains. Commonly seen crossing roads on rainy nights in the Adelaide Hills. During dry periods, it burrows underground.

Size

Males 52-70 mm, Females 52-83 mm

Identification

The Eastern Banjo Frog is a medium to large frog with a broad, rounded head and short, thick limbs. Large glands are present on the tibia (shin) and the edge of the mouth. The body is rough and warty, varying from a pale grey to dark brown or black. The sides are commonly marked with bronze, purple or black. Its call resembles a single 'bonk', which, when several frogs are calling, and each has a slightly different pitch, the chorus takes on the sound of a banjo.

General Info

• The Eastern Banjo Frog breeds in Spring, producing a large foam nest that contains up to 4000 eggs. It is laid in water and is often attached to vegetation.
• Females have special flanges (flaps of skin) on their fingers which are used to carry air bubbles from the surface of the water into the foam nest to oxygenate the eggs.
• It remains in the tadpole stage for about 12-15 months!
• As the Eastern Banjo Frog spends its time in a burrow when it is hot, it is vulnerable to being dug up by gardeners who mistake it for the Cane Toad (Bufo marinus), thus kill it!
• In parts of Europe tunnels under freeways have been created to allow toads/frogs to safely get to the other side.

See Also

• Common Froglet
• Eastern Banjo Frog
• Spotted Grass Frog
• Painted Frog
• Brown Toadlet
• Brown Tree Frog

Wild Guide

Contents

Kangaroo Island Travel Guide

Contents