Limnodynastes dumerilii is a frog species from the family Limnodynastidae. The frog is also called the pobblebonk after its distinctive "bonk" call, which is likened to a banjo string being plucked. There are five subspecies of L. dumerilii, each with different skin coloration. The species is native to eastern Australia. There has been one occurrence in New Zealand, when tadpoles of the species were found in 1999 and destroyed.

Description

thumb|left|200px|The eastern banjo frog, Limnodynastes dumerilii dumerilii

Adults are roughly seven to eight centimetres long with dark warty backs, a prominent tibial gland, fleshy metatarsal tubercules and a smooth white or mottled belly. The tadpole stage is relatively long, lasting up to fifteen months. The species is common.

The five subspecies of Limnodynastes dumerilii are:

Subspecies

Eastern banjo frog, Limnodynastes dumerilii dumerilii

This is the most widespread of the five subspecies. It is found in South-East Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, the slopes and ranges of New South Wales, northern Victoria and the Murray River into South Australia.

Breeding habits

Breeding occurs in stagnant aquatic habitats like ponds or swamps. During November to February, males will begin calling from behind vegetation or from within the water at females. Eggs are laid on the surface of bodies of water in the form of a distinct foamy mass, the frog can lay up to 4000 eggs.

In Western Australia the western banjo frog, Limnodynastes dorsalis, is common around Perth. It also has a musical, resonant "plonk" call and is also called a pobblebonk.

In Queensland, the scarlet-sided pobblebonk, Limnodynastes terraereginae, is a small fat frog with distinctive orange or red irregular markings.

In Western New South Wales, the giant banjo frog, Limnodynastes interioris, is a similar species that tends to inhabit more arid areas than Limnodynastes dumerilii.

References

  • Museum of Victoria facts sheet on Eastern Pobblebonk

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  • Frogs of Australia
  • Frogs Australia Network
  • The pobblebonk frog makes the best noises