Ranoidea nudidigita (Copland, 1963)

Size

Ranoidea nudidigita is a small species of tree frog, reaching up to around 40 mm (1.6 in) in length.

Dorsal Coloration

Adult individuals typically have green dorsal surfaces, though they may sometimes be brown, while newly metamorphosed frogs are always dull brown.

Related Species Similarity

This species is very similar to the closely related leaf green tree frog (Ranoidea phyllochroa), and the two are distinguished by their distribution and their calls.

Tympanum Difference

One key physical difference is that the tympanum is indistinct in Ranoidea nudidigita, while it is distinct in R. phyllochroa.

Lateral Black Stripe

A black stripe runs along the side of the head, starting at the nostril and continuing down the side of the body; this stripe often grows wider further down the body.

Lateral Gold Stripe

A thin gold stripe runs above the black stripe, following the same path.

Taxonomic History

This species was only split from the leaf green tree frog relatively recently.

Species Range Boundary

Sydney, Australia is recognized as the dividing line between the ranges of the two species: R. nudidigita occurs south of Sydney, while R. phyllochroa occurs north of Sydney.

Hybrid Zone

Hybridisation between the two species can occur in the area around southern Sydney, stretching from Royal National Park to approximately Wollongong, which is considered a hybrid zone.

Habitat Type

Ranoidea nudidigita is found alongside streams and creeks in rainforests, as well as in both wet and dry sclerophyll forests.

Habitat Association

It is rarely encountered far from running water.

Male Call Structure

Males of this species produce a call similar to that of R. phyllochroa: it consists of one long opening note, followed by a series of shorter notes.

Calling Period and Location

Males call during spring and summer from vegetation growing around streams.