Ranoidea dahlii (Boulenger, 1896)

Taxonomy and Naming

Dahl's aquatic frog, scientifically known as Ranoidea dahlii, is a frog species belonging to the subfamily Pelodryadinae that is endemic to Australia.

Natural Habitats

Its natural habitats include dry savanna, subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland, freshwater lakes, intermittent freshwater lakes, freshwater marshes, and intermittent freshwater marshes.

Historical Cane Toad Consumption Assumption

It was once believed that this species could eat cane toad eggs, tadpoles, and young without suffering harmful effects, as the invasive, venomous cane toad is not native to Australia.

Origin of Initial Assumption

However, this original idea came from a small number of captive frogs that survived encounters with young cane toads.

Adult Cane Toad Feeding Response

In reality, adult Dahl's aquatic frogs usually regurgitate young cane toads after eating them, and will avoid eating cane toads in the future after this experience.

Fatal Cane Toad Consumption Risk

Rarely, adults will swallow young cane toads, and approximately half of these adults die from the encounter.

Bufotoxin Resistance

Compared to other Australian hylid frog species, Dahl's aquatic frog does not show increased resistance to bufotoxins, the toxin produced by cane toads.

Post-Exposure Avoidance Behavior

If an individual survives its first meal that includes a cane toad, it will actively avoid eating cane toads afterwards.