Litoria meiriana

Conservation Status

Calling Period

Description

A small species of frog reaching up to 2 cm in body length. It has a grey back, with dark or light brown mottling. There is an alternating white and brown pattern along the upper lip. The belly is white. The pupil is horizontal, and the iris is silver or gold, sometimes with red in the upper half. The legs have grey or brown horizontal bars. Fingers are unwebbed and toes are nearly fully webbed, both with small discs. This species is so small and quick that it can hop over water without breaking the surface, similar to a skimming rock.

Breeding Biology

Eggs are laid as small clusters that are attached to rocks in small pools near creek lines. Tadpoles can reach a total length of up to 2.5 cm, and are gold in colour with brown spots. They often remain at the bottom of water bodies, and take one month to develop into frogs. Breeds during summer in the wet season.

Similar Species

Looks similar to Crinia bilingua and Crinia deserticola in its distribution, but these two species lack finger and toe discs. Also looks very similar to Litoria aurifera near its distribution, but has a different call.