Green and Golden Bell Frog
Scientific Name: Litoria aurea
Size: Total Length 10 cm
What does it look like?
The Green and Golden Bell Frog Colouration is variable, but typically gold with large green blotches and spots, although some individuals are almost all gold or all green. Colouration can change depending on how warm the frog is, being brightest when it is at its preferred body temperature. The back is essentially smooth, without warty bumps or protrusions.
Where is it found?
Found in south-eastern Australia from Orbost in Victoria to near Byron Bay in northern New South Wales, and west to the Australian Capital Territory. Also introduced to New Zealand, New Caledonia and Vanuatu.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Green and Golden Bell Frog prefers swamps, large dams or lagoons and will also use southern wallum swamps. This species has suffered major decline due to chytrid fungus and habitat loss. Males often call from floating vegetation and among reeds near the water level from spring to autumn, primarily after rain. The call has been described as a single drawn-out ‘waaark’. Spawn is found in floating clusters but may also be submerged and wrapped around aquatic plants. They have an average clutch of 5120 eggs. Tadpoles take about 12 weeks to complete metamorphosis.
Interesting facts
Alternate Names: Golden Bell Frog; Green and Gold Swamp Frog
This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Frogs of Australia
