Waterfall Frog
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| Litoria nannotis Andersson, 1916 |
The Waterfall Frog is a species of tree frog native to Far North Queensland, Australia. The common name of "Waterfall Frog" is indicative of its habitat of moist, rocky, streams, and is often found in waterfalls within its range.
[edit] Physical description
The Waterfall Frog is a medium sized frog, reaching 5.5 centimetres (2.2 in) in length. The dorsal surface is mottled with olive green and black or brown. The patterning on the back is similar to the moss covered rocks of its habitat, allowing for effective camouflage. The ventral surface is pale in colour, and granular.
The toe pads of the Waterfall Frog are very large in comparison to toe width, to aid in gripping to rocks in rapids. The nuptial pads of breeding males are also large, covering the entire inner surface of the thumb, with spines also present on the arms and chest. The tympanum is not visible, fingers are partially webbed and toes completely webbed.
[edit] Ecology and behaviour
The Waterfall Frog is a stream dwelling frog native to tropical north Queensland, from Paluma to Cooktown. It is found at altitudes between 180 metres (197 yd) and 3000 metres (3281 yd). It has undergone large declines in high altitude areas, with many populations completely extinct, however is stable in lowland areas.
Like the Stoney Creek Frog (Litoria wilcoxi), and many other stream dwelling frogs, Waterfall Frogs lack a vocal sac. This is thought to be because the sound of a running stream drowns out any calls, and it becomes a waste of energy. Their call is a low, growling sound.
