Limnodynastes tasmaniensis (Spotted Grass Frog)

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The Spotted Grass Frog is one of the most common frogs within its range. It is usually found in association with water, and in dry periods shelters in cracks in the ground, usually under large rocks. Some have a stripe down the centre of their back, but the stripe is missing from the rest.

Family: Myobatrachidae

Adult length: 30-47mm.

Current conservation status: Common.

Distribution: Widespread below 900 m in ACT. It is one of the most common frogs within its range.

Appearance: A relatively large frog in the region, this species is conspicuously blotches in a neat pattern of dark and light markings. Many individuals have a distinctive red or orange stripe down the centre of the back. A line of white granular tissue runs from beneath the eye to above the back leg.

Breeding: Calls from September to March. Male frogs call while floating in the water. The egg mass is distinctive, consisting of a small, round, floating, white foamy nest that is usually attached to emergent vegetation.

Habitat: Prefers stading water, including roadside ditches, marshes, swamps, lakes and ponds. Areas with considerable flooded vegetation, such as tussocks and sedges, provide ideal habitat. During dry weather they shelter in deep cracks in the clays of the dry wetlands, beneath large logs and in the base of grass tussocks.

Call: A conspicuous "uck..uck...uck" that sounds a little bit like a toy machine gun.

Limnodynastes tasmaniensis is listed in the following regions: