Southern toadlet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Southern toadlet |
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| Southern toadlet | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pseudophryne
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| Species: |
semimarmorata
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The southern toadlet (Pseudophryne semimarmorata), also called the marbled toadlet, is a small frog. It lives only in south-eastern Australia. This means it is endemic to that area.
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What Does the Southern Toadlet Look Like?
These little frogs grow to about 20 to 30 millimeters long. This measurement is from their nose to their bottom. Scientists call this the SVL. Their top side is dark brown or olive green. It has black bumpy spots, like warts. The underside of the frog is very special. Females have a smooth belly, while males have a bumpy one. It is mostly yellow, orange, or red. There is also a wide pattern of black and white, or black and blue, swirly marks. This pattern covers their chest and upper belly. Their toes do not have webs between them.
Life Cycle and Habits
Southern toadlets breed from late summer to early winter. The males dig burrows in places that might flood after it rains. From late March to early May, the males call from these burrows. Females then lay loose groups of eggs in these burrows. After it rains, the tiny tadpoles are washed into pools and other wet areas. They then change into small toadlets from late spring.
Where Do Southern Toadlets Live?
These frogs live in the very south-east of South Australia. Their home range stretches across southern Victoria, mostly south of the Great Dividing Range. They also live on Flinders Island and in northern and eastern Tasmania. You can find these frogs in damp areas at lower elevations. They like grasslands, heathlands, woodlands, and forests. They hide under rocks, logs, and fallen leaves.
Protecting the Southern Toadlet
The number of southern toadlets is thought to be decreasing. There are several things that threaten them. One threat is a fungal disease called chytridiomycosis. This disease affects amphibians around the world. Another problem is when their homes are cleared away or damaged. This is called habitat clearance and degradation. Finally, climate change also affects them. It can make bushfires happen more often and be more severe.
