Limnodynastes salmini Steindachner, 1867

Size

This large frog species reaches approximately 75 mm (3.0 in) in length.

Dorsal Coloration

Its dorsal side is brown, marked with darker brown spots and blotches.

Dorsal Stripes

A defining feature of this species is three pink, orange, or red-brown stripes that run along its back: one along the center of the back, and one on each side.

Head and Armpit Markings

It also has a raised orange bar that extends from below the eye to the shoulder, and its armpit is orange.

Ventral and Limb Coloration

The belly is white, the thighs have a black and white mottled pattern, and the iris is golden.

Burrowing Behavior

This is most often a burrowing species that spends time underground, or under logs and rocks, to avoid drought.

Habitat

It lives near dams, flooded areas, and ditches, in both open landscapes and woodland.

Male Mating Call

After heavy rains in spring, summer, and autumn, males produce an "unk-unk-unk" call from vegetation growing in water.

Egg Laying

Females lay around 1500 eggs in floating, foamy masses.

Egg Hatching Time

Tadpoles hatch 3 to 4 days after eggs are laid.

Tadpole Appearance and Size

The tadpoles are very dark brown and grow to 67 mm (2.6 in) long.

Tadpole Development Period

At a water temperature of 30 °C, tadpole development takes approximately 43 days.

Newly Metamorphosed Frog Characteristics

Newly metamorphosed frogs measure 13–20 mm (0.51–0.79 in) and resemble adult individuals, though their stripes are paler.