FROGS Page 2
Spotted Grass Frogs
Limnodynastes tasmaniensis
Spotted Grass Frogs
Photo © Skip 2001
The Spotted Grass Frogs, or Limnodynastes tasmaniensis ,
shown in the photos are residents of our garden. I’ve nicknamed them Freddos as
they are smooth skinned and more slender than the warty Painted Frog.
The Spotted Grass Frog has dark green to brownish spots
over a pale grey to green- brown background. The underside is smooth and pale.
Some individuals display a pale yellowish dorsal stripe down their head and
back.
Home for them is a recently reconstructed reed pond using
large, well placed stones.This allows the frogs and tadpoles to retreat to safety as
required, as well as providing a safe exit for other creatures that use the
pond. These frogs move around our garden, which is a mix of Australian plants
from both local and other regions, as well as plants of foreign origin. They
are often found under rocks, logs, debris and vegetation during the day.
However they are never far from water.
L tasmaniensis breeds all year round. The eggs are left
floating in a foam nest on the waters surface until the tadpoles emerge a few
days after.
We have had frogs here for more than twenty years and hope
they continue to thrive.
It is easy to capture these little fellas on film as long
as a container is used, as they don’t sit still for very long. Remember, when
picking up frogs you must have clean hands, with no traces of soap, perfume,
moisturisers, or insect repellent. Frogs absorb these types of things very
easily through their skin. Always return them to the place where you found them.
And don’t forget to wash your hands after handling them too !
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