''Ranoidea australis'', commonly known as the giant frog, northern snapping frog, or round frog, is a burrowing species of

frog A frog is any member of a diverse and largely carnivorous group of short-bodied, tailless amphibians composing the order Anura (ανοὐρά, literally ''without tail'' in Ancient Greek). The oldest fossil "proto-frog" '' Triadobatrachus'' is ...

native to Australia. It occurs from western

Queensland ) , nickname = Sunshine State , image_map = Queensland in Australia.svg , map_caption = Location of Queensland in Australia , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name = Australia , established_title = Before federation , established_ ...

through to northern

Western Australia Western Australia (commonly abbreviated as WA) is a state of Australia occupying the western percent of the land area of Australia excluding external territories. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Southern Ocean to ...

Description

These frogs reach up to 100 mm in length. They are variable in colour and patterning; adults range from grey to dull pink to green or more commonly brown on the dorsal surface, occasionally with darker markings. The skin on the dorsum has low warts and two longitudinal

skin fold Skin folds or skinfolds are areas of skin that are naturally folded. Many skin folds are distinct, heritable anatomical features, and may be used for identification of animal species, while others are non-specific and may be produced either by ind ...

s with a second pair on the flanks. The belly is white and finely granular. A dark brown streak starts from the tip of the snout and runs across the tympanum and ends over the shoulder. A similarly coloured bar runs under the eye and another runs the length of the upper jaw. The tympanum is partially covered with a skin fold and is distinct. The back of the thighs range from flesh-coloured to dark blue and the groin is a pale blue-green colour. The rear toes have a slight webbing and front toes are free from webbing.

Ecology and behaviour

This species inhabits floodplains, woodlands, and grasslands. During the wet season, it is commonly found during the day basking beside breeding sites, including temporary ponds, creeks, or flooded areas. The males can be heard making a short "unk" sound from late November through to February. Eggs are laid in clumps of up to 7000, but more commonly 100 to 1000. They sink soon after being laid.Cogger, H.; ''Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia.'' - "Cyclorana australis" p. 89

Similar species

This species may be confused with the New Holland frog or the striped burrowing frog. It can be distinguished from the latter by the longitudinal skin folds and from the former by the colouration on the back of the thighs.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q4667669 Cyclorana Amphibians of Western Australia Amphibians of the Northern Territory Amphibians of Queensland Amphibians described in 1842 Taxa named by John Edward Gray Frogs of Australia