Common Mist Frog

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Common Mist Frog

Conservation status

Endangered

Scientific classification

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

Binomial name

Litoria rheocola
Liem, 1974

The Common Mist Frog (Litoria rheocola) is a species of tree frog native to north-eastern Queensland, Australia.

[edit] Physical description

Dorsal view of the Common Mist Frog

The Common Mist Frog is a moderately sized frog, reaching a length of 3.8 centimetres (1.5 in). It is a slender frog, with long arms and legs, fully webbed feet and partly webbed hands. The hands and feet have large toe pads, wider than the fingers. The dorsal surface is a dull brown or slate, with a dark patch running from between the eyes and fading at the middle of the back. The shape of the nose is sharp, and eyes are large. The dorsal surface is a cream colour.

[edit] Ecology and behaviour

The Common Mist Frog inhabits the riparian zone of fast flowing streams in rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests of eastern Tropical North Queensland. Males call from the edge of the streams, between rocks or in overhanging vegetation to attract mates. The call is a long "wreek". Breeding occurs throughout the year, with peak calling occurring between November and March. 46-63 eggs are laid beneath rocks, to prevent being washed away with the stream. The tadpoles are stream dwellers, and have suctorial mouth parts to allow them to survive in fast-flowing water.

Large population decreases have occurred in areas above 400m (437 yards), with many populations completely wiped out. This first occurred around 1989, south of the Daintree River, but was replicated in the highlands north of the Daintree River in 1993.