Peron's tree frog
| Peron's tree frog | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Male Litoria peronii with partially inflated vocal sac | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Hylidae |
| Genus: | Litoria |
| Species: | L. peronii |
| Binomial name | |
| Litoria peronii Tschudi, 1838 | |
 | |
| Peron's tree frog range | |
Peron's tree frog, the emerald spotted tree frog, the laughing tree frog, or the maniacal cackle frog (Litoria peronii) is a common Australian tree frog of the genus Litoria.
Physical description
Peron's tree frog is one of the most variably coloured frogs in Australia, with the ability to change colour in less than one hour. It varies in shades of grey and brown, where its lightest is almost white. The frog has mottled yellow and black thighs, armpits, and groin. Occasionally, emerald spots are found on the back, which increase in number with age. A characteristic uncommon in the genus Litoria is pupils which appear cross-shaped. This characteristic is only shared with Tyler's tree frog within the Litoria genus. The male Peron's tree frog is about 44-53 mm, while females are 46-65 mm.
Ecology and behaviour
The call of Peron's tree frog is a high-pitched cackle, giving it the common names: the "laughing tree frog" and the "maniacal cackle frog". The frog is found in forests, woodlands, shrublands, and open areas, often far from a water source. They inhabit a variety of niches, predominantly arboreal, such as tree hollows, cracks, and beneath flaking bark. The frog is commonly found near civilisation (such as suburban Sydney), using ponds as their breeding-water source. They can often be seen on windows or near lights at night, huntingthe insects attracted to these light sources. They can often be found at dusk on houseboat windows and beneath street lamps along the Murray River in South Australia.
As a pet
It is kept as a pet; in Australia, this animal may be kept in captivity/zoo with the appropriate permit.
References
- Hero et al. (2004). Litoria peronii. 2006. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. www.iucnredlist.org. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is of least concern
- Cogger, H.G. 1979. Reptiles & Amphibians of Australia. A. H. & A. W. REED PTY LTD ISBN 0-589-50108-9
- Article Road: List of All Frog Breeds: Things You Can Do to Ensure Your Frog Has a Long, Happy and Healthy Life: Peron's Tree Frog
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, New South Wales: Amphibian Keeper's Licence: Species Lists
External links
Media related to Litoria peronii at Wikimedia Commons