Mole Toadlet

Uperoleia talpa Tyler, Davies & Martin 1981

Species Info Card | Updated 1 decade ago


A large and very robust Uperoleia species that lacks teeth and has short legs with well developed webbing between the toes. The parotid and inguinal glands are moderately to well-developed. The back is bronze with darker markings; the parotid glands have a distinct gold lustre. Throat black; chest stippled with black. Abdomen pearl and undersurface of thighs creamish. Males 26–40 mm; females 35–42 mm S-V.

Breeding Biology

Males call from leaf litter on the margins of flooded grasslands. Larval lifespan is about two months. 

Habitat

Sparsely vegetated plains.

Etymology

talpa means ‘mole’ for this species’ appearance and subterranean habits.

General

This species has recently been discovered to occur as far east as Fitzroy Crossing and as far south as Port Hedland. It is very closely related to the Pilbara Toadlet.

Distribution map for Mole Toadlet

In the Kimberley region from the Dampier Peninsula and east to Fitzroy Crossing. Also occurs along the western coast and extends to the coastal Pilbara near Port Hedland.

A plaintive ‘yelp’.