Leiopelma archeyi Turbott, 1942

Size Sexual Dimorphism

Female Archey's frogs (Leiopelma archeyi) grow up to 37 mm (1.5 in) in length, while males reach a maximum length of 31 mm (1.2 in).

Coloration Overview

These frogs have variable colors and patterns.

Dorsal, Lateral, Ventral Coloration

Most often, their dorsal (back) surface ranges from light to dark brown with scattered dark blotches, their lateral (side) surface is pink or orange-brown, and their ventral (belly) surface is black or dark brown.

Morphological Traits

This species has no webbing on its hind feet, mostly smooth skin, and primarily black eyes.

Distinction from Hochstetter's Frog

It can be told apart from Hochstetter's frog by its smoother skin, longer digits, generally smaller size, and lack of webbing on its hind toes.

Population Color Variation

There is consistent color variation between the two known populations of Leiopelma archeyi: individuals from the Whareorino Forest population are typically more colorful than those from the Coromandel Peninsula population, with distinct pink or orange-brown patches across the body.

Geographical Distribution

In terms of distribution and habitat, Leiopelma archeyi is only found in two locations: Coromandel Peninsula and Whareorino Forest near Te Kūiti, both of which are in the Waikato Region of New Zealand's North Island.

Habitat Preferences

Today, the species typically inhabits higher elevation ridge areas away from creeks, in high-moisture native forest, though populations were recorded at lower elevations in the mid-20th century.