Platyplectrum ornatum (Gray, 1842)

Size

Platyplectrum ornatum is a relatively small, stubby frog species that reaches a maximum length of 50 mm.

Base Coloration

Its base colour ranges from grey to brown to yellow, and dorsal surface patterns vary widely between individual specimens.

Dorsal Head Marking

Most individuals have a butterfly-shaped patch of colour behind the eyes.

Dorsal Skin Texture

The back is generally covered in red-tipped warts, and skin folds are present near the head.

Limb Markings

Darker barring or spotting marks the species’ legs and arms.

Digit Webbing

Toes have slight webbing, while fingers have no webbing at all.

Genome Size

This species holds the record for the smallest known genome of any frog, and its genome is even smaller than the genomes of many birds.

Genome Adaptation Purpose

This small genome is an adaptation to the desert environments the species inhabits.

Metamorphosis Timeline Constraint

Breeding ponds in the desert dry out very quickly, so tadpoles must complete metamorphosis as fast as possible—this can happen as early as eleven days after eggs are fertilized.

Genome and Metamorphosis Link

A small genome produces smaller cells, and smaller cells allow tadpoles to transform into young frogs more quickly, enabling them to leave shrinking ponds before they dry out.

Geographic Distribution

The species’ distribution extends from western Sydney to Cape York in Queensland, spanning along both sides of the Great Dividing Range all the way to Western Australia.

Habitat Types

It can be found in wet sclerophyll forest in coastal areas as well as woodland in more arid regions.

Burrowing Behavior

As is implied by its common name, this frog is a burrowing species.

Burrowing Mechanism

It burrows feet-first, and enlarged tubercles on its feet help it scrape soil out to create burrows.

Surface Activity Timing

It is usually only visible above ground after heavy rain that falls in spring or summer.

Mating Vocalization Context

Males vocalize to attract mates while floating in still water bodies such as dams, puddles, and flooded grassland.

Call Characteristics

Their call is a short, nasal "unk" repeated at a slow pace.