Spotted-thighed Frog

Litoria cyclorhyncha (Boulenger 1882)

Species Info Card | Updated 1 decade ago


Similar in all respects to the Motorbike Frog (L. moorei) but more spectacularly coloured and occurs further south and east. A large frog with unwebbed fingers containing prominent discs. The back is dark green to brown, dappled with gold or bronze patches. The distinctive characteristics are the groin and thigh that bear yellow spots (absent in Motorbike Frogs). Maximum size is about 8 cm.

Breeding Biology

Males call from late spring and in summer around the edges of pools. The breeding biology is unknown, but presumably similar to the Motorbike Frog.

Habitat

Near swamps and permanent water such as dams, and frequently seen around well-watered gardens and farms.

Etymology

cyclo means 'circle' and rhyncha means 'snout', in reference to the more rounded snout of this species compared to eastern forms such as the Green and Golden Bell Frog.

General

Other than the spots on the thighs, this species is indistinguishable from the more westerly-distributed Motorbike Frog.

Distribution map for Spotted-thighed Frog

South-western region, from east of Albany to Hopetoun and inland to Broomehill and Ravensthorpe. Also the south-east wheatbelt.

Similar to the Motorbike Frog, with a series of long rising notes followed by various growling noises.