Animal Species:Smooth Toadlet

Identification

Despite its name, the Smooth Toadlet does have a warty back, but less so than other toadlets. Its most recognisable features are a prominent pale triangular patch on top of its head, and bright red or orange patches on its groin and behind its knees.

Size range

3.2 cm

Distribution

The Smooth Toadlet is found in northern Victoria, eastern New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland.

Habitat

The Smooth Toadlet lives in dry forests and woodlands, and in grassy areas that temporarily flood.

Seasonality

The best time to hear the Smooth Toadlet is during the September to November mating season

Communication

The call the male Smooth Toadlets make is a squelching sound. They are easy to hear but quite difficult to find because they usually call from among thick tussocks of grass or other vegetation.

Mating and reproduction

Female Smooth Toadlets lay their eggs in shallow water from which small (2.2 cm), dark brown tadpoles hatch.

Predators, Parasites and Diseases

All the Uperoleia species have a series of prominent poison glands on their back to deter predators.

Danger to humans and first aid

Smooth Toadlets are harmless to humans, as long as you don't put them in your mouth.

Classification

Species:

laevigata

Genus:

Uperoleia

Family:

Myobatrachidae

Order:

Anura

Subclass:

Lissamphibia

Subphylum:

Vertebrata

Phylum:

Chordata

Kingdom:

Animalia

What does this mean?

Last Updated: 15 April 2009

Tags toadlets, frogs, amphibians, vertebrates, identification,