Flat-headed Frog

Limnodynastes depressus Tyler 1976

Species Info Card | Updated 1 decade ago

A medium-sized, squat species with moderate limbs, flattened head and widely separated eyes with prominent upper eyelids. Males possess massive arms with a protruding terminal phalanx on the fourth finger. The hands and feet are unwebbed. The back and head are pale brown and covered with numerous large spots of dark brown, with white undersurfaces.

Breeding Biology

Eggs are laid in a small foam nest (8 x 5 cm) within or above a depression in the ground. Spawn can reach temperatures of 41°C. The tadpoles attain a maximum length of 80 mm.

Habitat

Swamps and flooded grasslands.

Etymology

depressus refers to the flat head of this species.

General

This species was believed to be extinct owing to damming the Ord River and flooding the only known location at the time, but healthy populations occur around Kununurra and in to the NT.

Occuring around Kununurra and Lissadell Station. They extend in the Northern Territory from the Keep River to the Bradshaw Country.

A rapid series of about seven notes repeated rapidly. Calling site is the edge of shallow water or from crab burrows.