Notaden bennettii Günther, 1873

Common Name and Distinctiveness

Notaden bennettii, commonly known as the crucifix toad, is the most visually distinctive species in the genus Notaden. Most other Notaden frogs are dark brown, but the crucifix toad displays many bright colors.

Dorsal Coloration and Markings

Its dorsal surface is bright yellow, marked with a multi-colored cross centered on its back. The cross is outlined with large black dots, and its interior is filled with white, black, and red dots.

Ventral and Flank Coloration

The crucifix toad has a white ventral surface and blue flanks.

Body Shape and Appendages

It is a small, very round frog with a blunt nose and small legs and feet.

Tympanum Characteristics

As a fossorial (burrowing) species, its tympanum (eardrum) is hidden.

Size Range by Sex

Males grow to a maximum length of 6.3 centimeters (2 15⁄32 inches), while females reach 6.8 centimeters (2 11⁄16 inches).

Burrowing Adaptations on Feet

The species has small spade-like structures on its feet to help it burrow deeply.

Habitat Range

This ground-dwelling frog lives in arid regions of western New South Wales and Queensland.

Dry Period Survival Strategy

It survives dry periods by burrowing underground and reducing its activity.

Breeding Trigger

After very heavy rain, individuals emerge from the ground to breed in temporary ponds.

Male Mating Call

Males call from within the pond to attract females, producing a call described as a "woop".

Tadpole Development Speed

Tadpole development is very rapid, allowing the species to take advantage of temporary wet conditions and reduce the risk of tadpoles dying when ponds dry up; the entire development cycle can complete in as little as six weeks.

Frog Glue Secretion Trigger

When provoked, the crucifix toad exudes a tacky, elastic substance called "frog glue" onto its dorsal skin.

Hypothesized Glue Functions

The purpose of this glue is not confirmed: it may confuse and deter predators like snakes, or trap biting insects that the frog later eats when it sheds and consumes its skin.

Glue Use in Mating

Males have been observed using this glue to attach themselves to larger females during mating.

Research Interest in Frog Glue

This frog glue has been found to be stronger than currently available non-toxic medical adhesives, so it is the subject of ongoing research.

Glue Composition and Properties

It is a protein-based pressure-sensitive adhesive that works effectively even in wet conditions.

Diet

The crucifix toad's diet is made up primarily of ants and termites.