Heleioporus eyrei (Gray, 1845)

Scientific Naming and Body Shape

The moaning frog, scientifically known as Heleioporus eyrei (Gray, 1845), has a rounded body shape, a large head, and large, bulbous eyes.

Coloration

Its dorsal (back) surface is brown, patterned with white, grey, or yellow marbling, while its ventral (belly) surface is solid white.

Limb Characteristics

Its arms and legs are relatively small, which is characteristic of burrowing frog species.

Male Secondary Sexual Traits

Unlike most other species in the Heleioporus genus, male moaning frogs do not have nuptial spines on the inner side of their first finger.

Adult Size

Adult males grow up to 6.6 centimetres (2.6 inches) in length, and adult females grow up to 6.3 centimetres (2.5 inches) in length.

Geographic Range

This species is native to the coastal region of south-western Western Australia, as well as Rottnest Island and Bald Island.

Habitat and Burrowing Behavior

It lives in sandy swamps, where it burrows underground to protect itself from predators and avoid drying out.

Mating Behavior

Males produce their mating calls from underground, and amplexus (mating) occurs inside the burrow.

Egg Laying

Females lay between 80 and 500 eggs, which are deposited as a foamy mass at the bottom of the burrow.

Egg Development

Eggs develop within this foamy mass, and hatching is delayed until rainwater floods the burrow.

Tadpole Development

After hatching, tadpoles complete standard aquatic development.