Eastern Banjo Frog
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| Limnodynastes dumerilii Peters, 1863 |
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 Distribution of the Eastern Banjo Frog.
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Limnodynastes dumerilii dumerilii |
The Eastern Banjo Frog Limnodynastes dumerilli, is a frog species from the family Myobatrachidae. It is native to eastern Australia and has been introduced to New Zealand. The frog is also commonly called the pobblebonk after its distinctive "bonk" call, which is likened to a banjo string being plucked. There are five subspecies of L. dumerilli, each with different skin colouration (for more detail see sub-species below).
Adults are roughly seven to eight centimetres long with dark warty backs, a prominent tibial gland, fleshy metatarsal tubercules and a smooth white or mottled belly. The tadpole stage is relatively long, lasting up to fifteen months. Pobblebonks are common.
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[edit] Subspecies
The five subspecies of L. dumerilii are:
[edit] Eastern Banjo Frog, Limnodynastes dumerilii dumerilii
This is the most widespread of the five subspecies. It is mostly associated with the slopes and ranges of New South Wales, northern Victoria and the Murray River into South Australia. This subspecies normally inhabits woodland, heathland and farmland. Breeding takes place in streams, ponds and dams. Males of this subspecies have the most characteristic banjo like "bonk" of the all the subspecies. They are distinguished from other subspecies by more orange present on the flank and an orange raised stripe present from the eye to the shoulder. The subspecies is normally one solid colour on the dorsal surface.
[edit] Eastern Banjo Frog, Limnodynastes dumerilii grayi
This subspecies occurs along the coast of New South Wales, south to Jervis Bay. It inhabits coastal swamps, dams, ponds associated with forest and heathland. This species doesn't breed in flowing water, which helps with distinguishing it from L. d. dumerilii in places where both occur. This is the most variegated of the subspecies, often with patches or blotches of a different colour on the dorsal surface. The call of this species sounds more like a "tok", similar but louder than the Striped Marsh Frog.
[edit] Snowy Mountains Banjo Frog, Limnodynastes dumerilii fryi
This is the most restricted of the subspecies. It is only found in the Snowy Mountains area of south-eastern New South Wales. Males call from ponds or pools of streams in spring and summer. Due to its restricted range it is unlikely to be confused with other subspecies, however it is pale on the dorsal surface with fairly indistinct patches or variegations.
[edit] Southern Banjo Frog, Limnodynastes dumerilii insularis
This subspecies occurs south of Jervis Bay, along the south coast of New South Wales, in eastern Victoria and throughout Tasmania. It is characterised and distinguished by blue colouration present on the flank. There is often a pale mid-dorsal stripe. Males call from a concealed position in water during spring, summer and autumn.
[edit] Southern Banjo Frog, Limnodynastes dumerilii variegata
This subspecies is very similar to L. d. insularis. This subspecies occurs in western Victoria and south-eastern South Australia. It is chiefly distinguished by range.
[edit] Ecology and behaviour
Limnodynastes dumerilli is a burrowing frog. During dry times, and often just during the day, they will burrow underground. They will often be seen in large numbers after rain, and under the right conditions mass spawning can occur over just a few days. They have been known to call while underground, and can do so at any time of the year after rain.
[edit] Distribution map
The distribution map on this page shows all the subspecies-Limnodynastes dumerilii dumerilii in blue; Limnodynastes dumerilii grayi in red; Limnodynastes dumerilii insularis in green; Limnodynastes dumerilii fryi in pink and Limnodynastes dumerilii variegata in yellow. This is a general distribution map and it is possible for an overlap of about 5% of the range of sub-species adjacent to each other.
[edit] Related species
In Western Australia the Western Banjo Frog, Limnodynastes dorsalis, is common around Perth. It also has a musical, resonant "plonk" call and is also called a pobblebonk.
In Queensland, the Scarlet-sided Pobblebonk, Limnodynastes terraereginae, is a small fat frog with distinctive orange or red irregular markings.
In Western New South Wales, the Giant Banjo Frog, Limnodynastes interioris, is a similar species that tends to inhabit more arid areas than L. dumerilii.
[edit] Other interesting Australian frogs
- Corroboree Frog Pseudophryne corroboree
- Baw Baw Frog Philoria frosti
- Gastric Brooding Frog Rheobatrachus silus and Rheobatracus vitellinus, both now believed to be extinct
- Turtle Frog Myobatrachus gouldi
- Water-holding Frog Cyclorana platycephala, which may have inspired the Dreaming story of Tiddalik
[edit] References
- Hero et al (2004). Limnodynastes dumerilii. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is of least concern
[edit] External links
- Museum of Victoria facts sheet on Eastern Pobblebonk
- Frog Watch identification guide including distribution, call sample and lifecycle data
- Museum of Queensland page for the scarlet-sided pobblebonk
- Amphibian Research Centre
- Frog finder for Australian species
- Frogs of Australia
