Spotted Grass Frog

(Limnodynastes tasmaniensis)

Distribution

Kangaroo Island, throughout eastern South Australia (even extending into Northern South Australian areas)

Habitat

It is a widespread species, with its habitat including marshy country, creek edges and wetlands.

Size

Males 31-42 mm, Females 32-47 mm

Identification

The Spotted Grass Frog is characterized by olive-green or brown spots on a pale greyish-brown background which may change over the course of the day, being particularly pale at night. The ventral (lower) surface of the body is smooth and white. Breeding males have a dark yellow-green throat. Many specimens have a mid-dorsal stripe which may range from white or yellow through to rusty red. Females have large flanges (flaps of skin) on the first two fingers. It has a varying call depending on the area that it is found. Spotted Grass Frogs found on KI have a 'duk-duk-duk-duk' call. It is a fast sounding call, similar to the sound of rain.

General Info

• It can breed at any time of the year, producing a foam nest containing 90-1300 eggs floating on water and attached to vegetation.
• Larval development (ie. tadpole stage) generally takes about 3-5 months. It is the most common frog in Australia.

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