kimberley frog finder

Northern Laughing Tree Frog

Litoria rothii

A medium-sized tree frog with a flattened appearance. The colour ranges from quite pale to dark mottled brown. A distinctive characteristic is the contrasting black and yellow markings on the thighs and groin. The fingers have expanded discs with lateral fringes and webbing, and the toes are fully webbed. Up to 5 cm.

Breeding

A wet season breeder that begins with the first major rains. Males call from high (> 2m) perches on trees near water, or may call from the edge of the water as well.

Call

Resembles a staccato burst or loud trill of laughter that fades away.

Eggs

Spawn is deposited in small clumps in temporarily flooded areas.

Tadpoles

Tadpoles are pale yellow above early in development, becoming mottled brown as they increase in size (up to 6 cm). The larval period can last up to 2 months.

Other Notes

Individuals can change from a quite light shade while basking in trees during the day, to a very dark shade at night.

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Northern Laughing Tree Frog Northern Laughing Tree Frog Northern Laughing Tree Frog Northern Laughing Tree Frog Northern Laughing Tree Frog Northern Laughing Tree Frog In Pandanus Tree In Pandanus Tree
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Distribution

Kimberley region. Also extends to northern NT and Queensland and also occurs in PNG.

Habitat

Found perched in trees and bushes near water (e.g., melaleuca swamps). Also common around human-made structures such as water tanks, shower blocks and dunnies.