Ranoidea serrata (Andersson, 1916)

Taxonomic History

Andersson first described this species as Hyla serrata in 1916, after which it was synonymized with Litoria genimaculata. It was removed from synonymy in 2010 and is now recognized as a separate species distinct from its New Guinea congener.

Etymology of Specific Epithet

The specific epithet "serrata" refers to the serrated skin flaps along its legs.

Common Name Etymology

This species, commonly called the green-eyed treefrog, gets its common name from the green color of its iris.

Ventral Markings

All adult green-eyed treefrogs have dark spotting on their undersides, but overall coloration is variable.

Dorsal Coloration

Upper body color ranges from bright green to brassy; most individuals have brownish-green bodies with rust-colored blotches.

Cryptic Coloration Function

These markings match their habitat: rust-colored blotches align with lichen-covered creek and stream banks, and the frogs can blend effectively into moss covering Queensland rainforest.

Lifestyle Category

The green-eyed treefrog is a semi-aquatic species.

Native Habitats

Its natural habitats are primarily subtropical, but it also occurs in tropical lowland forests, rivers, and freshwater marshes.

Habitat Preference

It can also be found near water bodies in clearings or pastures, though it mostly prefers dense woodland.

Geographic Distribution

It is distributed across the rainforests of Queensland, Australia, as well as Papua New Guinea and West Papua, Indonesia.

Activity Pattern

Adult green-eyed treefrogs are active both during the day and at night.