Ticking Frog

Geocrinia leai (Fletcher 1898)

Species Info Card | Updated 1 decade ago

A small climbing frog growing to a maximum length of 2.5 cm. The back is yellowish or a dark brown surrounding an irregular, central patch of grey to black colour. The belly is smooth and has a distinctive, greenish hue. The hind limbs are relatively long and the thighs have several dark cross-bands. Unlike any of the other small ground frogs (family Myobatrachidae), the Ticking Frog has slightly expanded discs on the fingers and toes to help it climb.

Breeding Biology

A late autumn to winter breeder. Males call from the base of shrubs or trees. Up to 100 or so eggs are laid at a time. These are attached by jelly at the base of vegetation adjacent to the water bodies, with several females sometimes using the same site. After a period of development within the eggs, the tadpoles break free of jelly and wriggle into the water. This usually takes place during rain which also helps to break up the egg mass and washes any stray tadpoles into the water.

The tadpoles of this species are relatively small and take a long time to develop (as long as 4 months). They are well adapted to life in flowing water with deep fins and enlarged mouthparts which can act as a suction device to prevent them being washed away in fast moving water. Some tadpoles have a bright pair of stripes on the back.

Habitat

Found along stream and creek systems with greatest abundance in the moist forest regions. Often found amongst sword grasses and sedges.

Etymology

Named after A.M. Lea, a 19th century entomologist who discovered it.

General

Although the Ticking Frog has an unusual breeding biology, it has evolved to suit the predictable winter rains of the south-west. Heleioporus and Pseudophryne species also breed in autumn and rely on the forthcoming winter rains to complete tadpole development.

Found throughout the moist, forested parts of the south-west region from the Darling Ranges just east of Perth, south and eastwards to the Albany district (not found on the Swan Coastal Plain).

A rapid burst of notes, followed by a slowly-repeated 'tk...tk...tk'.