Hidden-ear Frog

Cyclorana cryptotis Tyler & Martin 1977

Species Info Card | Updated 1 decade ago


A moderate-sized and rather globular frog with a relatively small and compressed head that is gently rounded, and not triangular or as prominent as in other Cyclorana species. The tympanum is completely hidden beneath the skin. Limbs are short to moderately long (TL/S-V 0.34–0.40). The skin is only slightly roughened. The fingers are cylindrical and unwebbed and the foot bears a prominent inner metatarsal tubercle. Colour ranges from pale grey in juveniles to brown, lightly mottled with brown in adults. There are five wide longitudinal stripes that can be a dull or strikingly bright orange. Some individuals bear a pale, narrow mid-vertebral line. Males 34–46 mm; females 36–48 mm S-V.

Breeding Biology

An ‘explosive’ wet season breeder – large choruses may form after heavy rains, with little or no calling or breeding at other times. Males call from the base of tall grasses at the edge of temporary ponds or ditches andoften call while floating in shallow water. Spawn is deposited as large irregular masses in murky, colloidal water in shallow pools on clay soils where temperatures above 40°C are common. Tadpoles attain a maximum length of 46 mm. The mouth is subterminal with two upper and three lower tooth rows. Larval life is about one month.

Habitat

Open grassland.

Etymology

cryptotis means ‘hidden ear’.

Distribution map for Hidden-ear Frog

Kimberley region. Southern areas: west to Dampier and Yampi peninsulas; in the east from Wyndham to Lake Argyle. Extends east to the Northern Territory and Queensland.

A loud modulated ‘wwooaawwrr’ repeated frequently.