Smooth frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Smooth frog |
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The Southern Smooth Froglet (scientific name: Geocrinia laevis) is a small frog that lives in Australia. You can find it in Tasmania, parts of Victoria, and a tiny bit of South Australia. It's also known by other names like the Smooth Frog or Tasmanian Smooth Frog. This little frog belongs to a family called Myobatrachidae, which are native Australian frogs.
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Meet the Southern Smooth Froglet
These small frogs are usually grey or brown. They grow to be about 35 millimeters long, which is roughly the size of a large paperclip. Look closely, and you might see small reddish spots with black edges on their backs. Sometimes, they also have darker, irregular patterns.
Their bellies are white or light grey. They often have darker brown or grey speckles or blotches underneath. The skin on their back can be smooth or have a few small bumps, while their underside is always smooth. Male froglets have a bright yellow throat, which helps them stand out.
Where Smooth Froglets Live and Grow
Southern Smooth Froglets live in dry sclerophyll forests and pine forests. These are types of woodlands found at lower elevations. They especially like damp places or areas that get flooded after it rains.
Life Cycle of the Smooth Froglet
The baby frogs, called larvae, start their lives inside egg capsules. They stay in these capsules until their breeding spot fills with water. Once the area floods, the larvae hatch. They then become tadpoles and continue to grow in the water. This tadpole stage can last for about six months before they turn into adult frogs.
Protecting the Southern Smooth Froglet
Even though these frogs are found in many places, their homes are sometimes cleared for farms or logging. This can be a problem for them. However, the good news is that the total number of Southern Smooth Froglets seems to be stable. They also live in several protected areas, which helps keep them safe.
See also
In Spanish: Geocrinia laevis para niños
