Spicospina flammocaerulea


Sunset Frog

Photos

  • Spicospina flammocaerulea
    Photo: Adam Parsons
  • Spicospina flammocaerulea
    Photo: Adam Parsons

Distribution

Distribution map for Spicospina flammocaerulea
Seen only near Walpole, in southwest WA. It is only found in small populations, making it highly vulnerable to extinction due to the amphibian chytrid fungus, wildfires, habitat loss, and other environmental disturbances.

Conservation Status

What does it mean?

Federal Conservation Status (EPBC Act)

Vulnerable

IUCN Red List

Endangered

Photos

  • Spicospina flammocaerulea
    Photo: Adam Parsons
  • Spicospina flammocaerulea
    Photo: Adam Parsons

Frog Calls

Call recorded by Grant Webster

Call recorded by Dale Roberts

Calling Period

Species Information

Description

A small species of frog reaching up to 3.5 cm in body length. It has a bluish-black back, with tiny bright blue specks on the arms and legs and around the eyes. The belly is bluish-black with light blue mottling, and the throat is bright orange. The upper lip, hands, feet, and armpits are also bright orange. Fingers and toes are unwebbed, both without discs.

Habitats

Occurs in acidic peat swamps with forest nearby.

Breeding Biology

Eggs are laid singly on algal mats on the surface of the water in small, deep ponds. Tadpoles can reach a total length of up to 3 cm, and are brown in colour. They often remain among the water algae mats, and may take around three months to develop into frogs. Breeds during spring and summer.

Similar Species

Does not look similar to any other species in its distribution.