Litoria verreauxii verreauxii (Whistling Tree-frog)

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Whistling Tree-frog (Litoria verreauxii verreauxii) is widespread and common across eastern Australia. A terrestrial species with relatively poor climbing ability.

Current conservation status: Common.

Family: Hylidae

Appearance: Light brown to red brown above, with an often indistinct, broad, darker patch starting between the eyes and continuing over the back. A dark band starting at the nostril runs across the eye and down to the shoulder, underlined by a white line starting at the mouth. The thighs and backs of the legs are red with small black spots, with some larger black spots present on the fronts of the thighs. Green coloured forms (see image) have been sighted at Garuwanga near Nimmitabel and other, higher elevation locations.

Length: 30 to 35mm.

Breeding: Males commence calling in May or June, when winter rains have filled farm dams and other breeding pools, and if weather remains moist, breed through until October or November.

Habitat: The Whistling Tree-frog is found in open valleys and cleared pasture country in the region, particularly in areas where there are large shallow pools and stock ponds, During the non-breeding season, they are secretive and rarely seen. Individuals may sometimes be found beneath logs and tussocks or under flat stones in streambeds, or in rocky areas near streams.

Distribution: Abundant in the region.

Biology: Males usually call whilst partially submerged, or floating in water. Amplexus takes place in the water and eggs are wound around submerged vegetation in large jelly-like clumbs. Tadpoles can be found in pools during late spring and early summer, Metamorphosis occurs in early summer with newly emerged froglets being about 15mm in length.

Call: A repeated whistling "cree...cree...cree...cree...cree...". Males call from pond-side vegetation or from the ground all year round, but calling intensifies during autumn and spring and after rain. As its name implies, it makes a whistling noise.

Litoria verreauxii verreauxii is listed in the following regions:

Canberra & Southern Tablelands | Southern Highlands | South Coast | Greater Sydney