Small frog facts for kids

The small frog, also known as the bleating water-holding frog, creek frog, or little collared-frog (Ranoidea manya), is a type of frog found in Australia. This interesting frog lives in the northern part of Queensland, specifically on the Cape York Peninsula.

What is the Bleating Water-Holding Frog?

The bleating water-holding frog is a fascinating amphibian. It gets its common names from its small size and the unique sound it makes. Frogs are known for their croaking, but this one has a distinct "bleating" call, which sounds a bit like a sheep.

How Big is This Small Frog?

As its name suggests, the small frog is not very large. Most adults are only a few centimeters long. This makes them quite tiny compared to some other frog species found in Australia.

What Does a Creek Frog Look Like?

These frogs usually have a brownish or grayish skin color. This helps them blend in with their surroundings, like the mud or rocks near creeks. Their skin might also have darker spots or patterns, which helps them hide from predators.

Where Does the Little Collared-Frog Live?

The natural home of the little collared-frog is the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, Australia. This area is known for its tropical climate, with wet and dry seasons.

What Kind of Habitat Do They Prefer?

These frogs typically live near water sources. You might find them in or around creeks, temporary ponds, or even ditches. During the dry season, when water is scarce, they have a special way of surviving.

How Do They Survive Dry Times?

Like some other "water-holding frogs," the Ranoidea manya can burrow deep into the ground. They create a special cocoon around themselves using their own skin. This helps them stay moist and safe until the rains return. They can stay underground for many months.

What Does the Small Frog Eat?

Like most frogs, the small frog is a carnivore. This means it eats other small animals.

What's on Their Menu?

Their diet mainly consists of insects. They might eat ants, beetles, spiders, or other small invertebrates they can catch. They use their long, sticky tongues to snatch up their prey quickly.

Life Cycle and Reproduction

The life cycle of the bleating water-holding frog is similar to other frogs. It involves several stages, from egg to adult.

How Do They Reproduce?

When the wet season arrives, the frogs come out of their underground hiding spots. This is when they find mates and reproduce. The male frogs will call loudly to attract females.

Where Do They Lay Eggs?

Female frogs lay their eggs in water, often in temporary ponds or flooded areas. The eggs hatch into tadpoles, which are aquatic larvae.

What Happens to the Tadpoles?

Tadpoles live in the water and breathe through gills. They feed on algae and other tiny bits of plant material. As they grow, they slowly change. Their tails get shorter, and they grow legs. Eventually, they lose their gills and develop lungs, becoming tiny froglets that can live on land.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of the Ranoidea manya is important to understand. Scientists keep track of how many of these frogs are left in the wild.

Are They Endangered?

Currently, the small frog is not considered to be an endangered species. However, like many animals, their populations can be affected by changes in their habitat. Protecting their natural environment is key to ensuring they continue to thrive.

See also

In Spanish: Ranoidea manya para niños