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Southern Bell Frog
Litoria raniformis
-37.9311, 175.492
Field Notes
Description:
Medium sized frog with larger females (pictured) averaging 70-90mm and males at 55-65mm.Essentially bright green with varying amounts of brown spots. Diagnostic green dorsal stripe (see image 3.), and the back is quite warty compared to the similar Green and Gold Bell Frog that has a smooth back and no discernible green line. Other differences between the two species include more webbing between the toes and much smaller toe and finger pads on the Southern Bell Frog. Underparts are pale although breeding males can have blue patches in the armpit and groin areas.
Habitat:
These frogs are wide spread throughout the main 2 islands on NZ where they inhabit areas of fresh water where they breed. Living a semi aquatic life the are known to sun bask sitting on emergent vegetation within ponds. They are also known to travel between areas at night quite often during periods of rain.This one found in my yard in heavy rain heading presumably to my wetland area where I know they breed.
Notes:
Also known as the Growling Grass Frog, this species appears to be in a spot of bother. In their native Australia they are Red Listed as Endangered. In NZ, although widespread numbers are crashing in some areas for as yet unexplained reasons. This species was introduced to NZ from Tasmania in the 1860's.
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