Salmon-striped frog

The salmon-striped frog (Limnodynastes salmini) is a species of ground dwelling frog native to southeastern Queensland and northern New South Wales, Australia.

Salmon-striped frog
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Limnodynastidae
Genus:	Limnodynastes
Species:	L. salmini
Binomial name
Limnodynastes salmini Steindachner, 1867

Description

It is a large species of frog reaching about 75 mm (3.0 in) in length. It is brown above with spots and blotches of darker brown. The predominant feature of this species is the 3 pink, orange or red-brown stripes running down the dorsal surface, with two on each side and one down the back. There is also an orange raised bar running from under the eye to the shoulder. The armpit is orange. The belly is white while the thighs are mottled black and white. The iris is golden.

Ecology and behaviour

It is often a burrowing species and will spend time underground or under logs and rocks to avoid drought. It is associated with dams, flooded areas, and ditches in open areas or woodland. Males make an "unk-unk-unk" call from vegetation in water after heavy rains in spring, summer, and autumn.

About 1500 eggs are laid in floating foamy masses. Tadpoles hatch about 3 to 4 days after laying. Tadpoles are very dark brown and reach 67 mm (2.6 in). Tadpole development takes about 43 days at a water temperature of 30 °C. Metamorphs measure 13–20 mm (0.51–0.79 in) and resemble the adult; however, their stripes are paler.

Similar species

It is similar to the striped marsh frog, from which it can be distinguished by the orange or red stripes.

Further reading

• Robinson, M. 2002. A Field Guide to Frogs of Australia. Australian Museum/Reed New Holland: Sydney.
• Anstis, M. 2002. Tadpoles of South-eastern Australia. Reed New Holland: Sydney.
• Frogs Australia Network – Salmon-striped Frog – frog call available here