Motorbike Frog

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iMotorbike Frog

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Hylidae
Genus:	Litoria
Species:	L. moorei

Binomial name

Litoria moorei
Copland, 1957

Distribution of the Motorbike Frog

The Motorbike Frog (Litoria moorei) is a ground dwelling tree frog native to southwestern Australia. It is also one of only three species of Hylids occurring in that region. The common name comes from the male frog's mating call which sounds similar to a motorbike changing through three or four gears. The Motorbike Frog is also known as Moore's Frog, the Western Bell Frog, the Western Green and Golden Bell Frog and the Western Green Tree Frog.

1 Physical description
2 Ecology and behaviour
3 Distribution
4 References

[edit] Physical description

Juvenile Motorbike Frog

The Motorbike Frog is able to camouflage itself well, and ranges in colour from from dark brown, through to green and gold. The underside is noticeably lighter, and usually ranges from very pale green to light brown. Typical of tree frogs, it has toe pads which enable it to climb smooth vertical surfaces. Its hind legs are powerful, and the toes are webbed. In mating season the male develop black “nuptial pads” that enable it to cling to the female’s back during amplexus.

The tadpole's body is a uniform dark brown above with a silvery sheen below, initially minute in size, they grow to a very large 80 mm in length. The tadpoles usually hide amongst vegetation, but are easily encouraged out of hiding when food is presented. For most of their time as tadpoles, they often crowd together in schools.

[edit] Ecology and behaviour

A Motorbike Frog being eaten by a White-faced Heron (Egretta novaehollandiae)

Breeding season is from early spring through to late summer. The male's mating call sounds like a motorbike changing gear. The males usually find a suitable clump of reeds or other water plants, from which to call. When a female joins the male in the water, the male grips onto the female’s back, using his nuptial pads, that appear during breeding season. Large clumps of eggs, encased in a transparent jelly, are attached to floating vegetation and debris.

Despite being a tree frog, of the family Hylidae, the Motorbike Frog seldom climbs higher than one or two meters, on plants or shrubs or brick walls or windows.

The Motorbike Frog's diet consists mainly of arthropods, but also includes smaller frogs, including juveniles of the same species. The tadpole's main diet is algae, but they will also eat meat when available. Tadpoles, like adult frogs, sunbathe for one or two hours each day for healthy growth.

The Motorbike Frog is found in lakes, swamps, garden ponds, farm dams, where they are often found sunbathing on the upper leaves of plants. They can live without water for extended periods of time.

The Motorbike Frog is a member of the Litoria aurea complex. Unlike the eastern members of the complex (Litoria aurea, L. raniformis and L. castanea) the Motorbike Frog has not suffered from dramatic declines, despite chytrid fungus being present in areas which they inhabit.

[edit] Distribution

Port Gregory north of Geraldton, to the Albany region, and inland to the western wheatbelt. Also quite common in the Perth region, particularly in coastal plain areas. They are the most common frog found in Perth gardens.