Walpole Frog

Geocrinia lutea (Main 1963)

Species Info Card | Updated 1 decade ago

A small short-bodied frog with relatively long legs. The undersurface is yellowish with scattered irregular spotting. The upper surface is grey-brown with a dark stripe or a tooth-shaped pattern on the back. There are often pink spots on the groin and thighs. Males have distinctive black throats and undersurfaces of limbs. Maximum size is 2.3 cm.

Breeding Biology

Males call from tunnels or muddy depressions in low matted vegetation in spring and summer.

Development is entirely terrestrial with no free standing water. Clutches of 25-30 eggs are laid. When the tadpoles hatch out, they are pale and complete their development entirely within the nest in about 50 days.

Habitat

Very dense swamp vegetation (to 4 m high) on peaty sand, bordering streams and seeps. Often on the edge of a forest.

Etymology

lutea means 'yellow' in reference to the colour of the belly.

General

Listed as a priority species by wildlife authorities due to its extremely restricted range.

Restricted - found only in the vicinity of Walpole and Nornalup in south-western Australia.

The call is a distinctive series of clicks, similar to the Roseate Frog (G. rosea).