Litoria peronii (Peron's Tree Frog, Emerald Spotted Tree Frog)

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Current conservation status: Common. Peron's Tree-frog (Litoria peronii) has many common names due to its colour variability and its distinctive a high-pitched cackle call. Amongst its common names are Emerald-spotted Tree-frog, Emerald-speckled Tree-frog, Laughing Tree-frog and Maniacal-cackle frog. Male adult length: 44-53mm. Female adult length: 46-65mm.

Appearance: This species is relatively large, and has broad round toe discs. It is one of the most variably coloured frogs in Australia and has the ability to change colour in less than one hour. It varies in shades of grey and brown, where its lightest is almost white, and has yellow and black mottling behind the back legs,in the armpits and groin. Occasionally, emerald spots are found on the back, which increase in number with age. An important diagnostic characteristic, and uncommon in the genus Litoria, is pupils which appear cross-shaped (the reader might observe this cross-shape in the eyes shown in some of the photos). This characteristic is only shared with Tyler's tree frog within the Litoria genus.

Habitat: Quite common in farmland with dams and swamps, where there are scattered large eucalypt trees, or where woodland is still present. This is the most arboreal frog occuring in the region, and may be found climbing up trees or shrubs and is often reported climbing up on window pane to catch insects at night. During the day the species may shelter in tree hollows and any loose bark in deep fissures in dead timber. In drier regions individuals shelter in rainwater tanks. They can often be seen on windows or near lights at night, hunting the insects attracted to these light sources.

Distribution: In ACT widespread below 900 m in suitable habitat, largely associated with wooded areas.

Biology: Males start calling in about September/October and continue until December. They usually call from dead trees, partly submerged logs, clumbs of rushes and reeds and other elevated perches in the water or at its edge. The tadpoles are very active and have a slightly striped appearance in the water. They are quite secretive, instantly dropping to a deeper depth in the water if they are disturbed.

Call: A loud descending rattle or cackle. A shorter chuckling sound is also made. This frog is often referred to as the "maniacle cackling frog", because of its call.

Litoria peronii is listed in the following regions: