Green Tree Frog
Background
The Green Tree Frog's natural distribution extends from the North-East corner of South Australia to throughout Queensland. This species is commonly seen in pet shops and has become a popular addition to many South Australian families. It has been found in pot plants at station homesteads along the banks of the Cooper Creek as well as structures such as letterboxes and toilet bowls.

The skin surface of the Green Tree Frog is smooth with large glands on the back of its head. The glands, if you look closely, are pitted with tiny pores. The fingers and toes have large discs and are webbed. The colour, as the frog's name suggests, is usually bright green, however, some individuals may change their colour to olive-brown. Some specimens have white spots on their back, sides and limbs. The back of the thighs varies from yellow to maroon and the iris (the eye) is a pale gold.

Green Tree Frog
Green Tree Frog undersurface
(Photo: Steve Walker)
 
Undersurface of a Green Tree Frog climbing on a window
(Photo: Steve Walker)

Characteristics
Green Tree Frog distribution
Green Tree Frog distribution map

Size: Males 66-77mm; Females 60-110 mm.

Habitat: When not found in toilets, the Green Tree Frog may be observed on rocks and trees and on the ground near water.

Breeding: Eggs are layed in clumps of between 200 and 2000 and deposited in still water. Breeding occurs between November and February. Tadpoles are a mottled brown colour reaching lengths of 45 to 100 mm and complete development in about 6 weeks.

Advertisement call: A deep 'crawk' that is repeated continuously.


 
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