Ranoidea alboguttata (Günther, 1867)

Adult Size

For the species Ranoidea alboguttata, adult females reach up to 85 millimetres (3.3 in) in length, while adult males grow to a maximum length of 70 millimetres (2.8 in).

Dorsal Coloration

Its dorsal side is brown, olive, or green, marked with darker blotches. A pale yellow or yellow-green stripe typically runs down the back, and a dark streak extends from the snout, through the eye and tympanum, and breaks up over the flanks.

Lateral Skin Fold

A lateral skin fold sits above this dark streak.

Limb and Ventral Markings

The backs of the thighs are dark, nearly black, with large white markings, and the throat and chest have scattered brown flecks.

Dorsal Skin Texture

The dorsal skin has scattered warts and ridges.

Ventral Skin Texture

The belly has a granular texture, while the throat and chest are smooth.

Appendage Features

The toes are half webbed, and the tympanum is clearly defined.

Habitat Range

In terms of ecology and behaviour, Ranoidea alboguttata inhabits woodlands, grassy areas, and cleared areas.

Microhabitat and Activity

It is usually only found around temporary pools and water-filled claypans, and is active during both the day and night.

Torpor Adaptation

This frog enters a state of torpor when resources are scarce. Researchers from the University of Queensland have found that the frog's cell metabolism changes during this dormancy period, letting it maximize the use of its limited energy resources without fully depleting them.

Medical Research Relevance

This discovery may have important medical applications, especially in the study of obesity.

Reproductive Calling Location

For reproduction, males call from grassy edges around temporary pools and ditches.

Calling Period and Sighting Conditions

Their calls are often heard during the day, and the frogs are usually only spotted after heavy summer rain.

Call Characteristics

The call is a rapid "quacking" produced from the ground or shallow water.

Egg Laying

Eggs are laid in clumps near the water's edge.