Centralian Burrowing Frog

Platyplectrum spenceri (Parker 1940)

Species Info Card | Updated 1 decade ago

A medium-sized (to 5 cm) robust burrowing frog with smooth skin and moderately long limbs. Very similar to the Ornate Burrowing Frog (Platyplectrum ornatum), but has much more extensive webbing between the toes and a sharper snout. Back pattern is a combination of different shades of brown on a pale background, less distinct than in the Ornate Burrowing Frog.

Breeding Biology

Breeds opportunistically after heavy rains. Nothing known about the eggs or tadpoles.

Habitat

Sandy soils within rocky terrain, common along sandy creek beds.

Etymology

Named after Walter Spencer, 19th century Australian explorer.

General

 This species and the Ornate Burrowing Frog have been found to be more closely-related to the genus Lechriodus from the east coast of Australia and New Guinea.

Arid zone. Extends to through central Australia to Queensland and NSW.

A rapid 'ho...ho...ho...ho'.