Rockhole frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rockhole frog |
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The rockhole frog (Litoria meiriana) is a small frog that lives in Australia. It's also known as the Australian cross-banded tree frog or skipping frog. You can find this unique frog in parts of Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
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What is the Rockhole Frog?
The rockhole frog is a tiny amphibian. It gets its name from where it likes to live. These frogs are known for their special way of moving. They can actually skip across the surface of water! This is why some people call them "skipping frogs."
How Big Are They?
Male rockhole frogs are quite small. They grow to be about 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) long. Female frogs are a little bit bigger. They can reach about 2.2 centimeters (0.9 inches) in length.
What Do They Look Like?
These frogs have interesting features. Their back feet have webbing, which helps them swim. However, their front feet do not have webbing. Their skin color can vary. Some rockhole frogs are dark brown with dark green spots. Others might have less clear markings. You might also see spots on their thighs. Some even have small white spots near their eyes.
Where Do Rockhole Frogs Live?
Rockhole frogs prefer to live near water that stays around all the time. They do not like puddles or temporary pools that dry up quickly. You can often find them in holes within rocks. Sometimes, they live in caves or close to waterfalls. They like these spots because they offer shelter and access to water.
Their Special Skipping Ability
One of the most amazing things about the rockhole frog is how light it is. Because they are so light, they can skip on the surface of the water. They move just like a skipping stone. This unique ability helps them travel across water bodies. It also helps them escape from predators.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Rockhole frogs lay their eggs in pools of water. These pools are usually found near the bottom of tall rocks. When a female frog lays eggs, she can lay between 30 and 40 eggs at one time. This helps ensure that some of their young will survive.
