#common eastern froglet

[stickyfrogs]

We also met these Beautiful Friends! The Green Stream Frog, the Screaming Tree Frog, the Common Eastern Froglet and Peron’s Tree Frog!

[uncharismatic-fauna]

Commune with the Common Eastern Froglet

The common eastern froglet (Crinia signifera) is, as its name suggest, a widely encountered species of frog in eastern Australia, as well as the island of Tasmania. This species can be found in many habitats, including deciduous eucalyptus forests, wetlands, and agricultural and urban ponds and dams. During the dry season, froglets will also shelter under logs or leaf litter to prevent desiccation.

C. signifera is one of the smallest species of frog, reaching only 3 cm (1.2 in) in length. Most individuals are brown, but specific markings can vary widely from region to region; some have dark stripes while others take on a more mottled appearance, though generally the belly is lighter than the back and head. Because this species is largely terrestrial, they lack webbing on their toes.

Like most frogs, the common eastern froglet consumes primarily insects, especially mosqitoes, cockroaches, flies, and small spiders. In turn, the species is food for a wide variety of predators including larger frogs, fish, birds, and small rodents. Because C. signifera is active all year round, its distinctive cricket-like "Crick crick" call can be heard in every season, typically as males attempt to attract a mate, though their coloration and small size makes them difficult to find.

Under ideal conditions, C. signifera mates througout the year. Once a male has attracted a female, typically by being the loudest male in an area, he will climb on top of an inseminate her in a common position known as amplexus. Afterwards, the female will lay upwards of 200 eggs attatched to a leaf or stick at the water's surface level. Though these eggs are a popular snack for predators, it only takes about 10 days for them to hatch; afterwards, hundreds of tadpoles will occupy the water for anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months. Fully mature adults leave the water to find food and mates, but will often stay close to their original breeding ground.

Conservation status: The IUCN considers the common eastern froglet to be of Least Concern. Though the species is threatened by habitat loss, it is remarkably resilient to the chytrid fungus which has devestated so many other Anuran species.

If you like what I do, consider leaving a tip or buying me a ko-fi!

Photos

Stephen Mahony

Matt Clancy

David Paul

George Vaugan

[toadschooled]

Tadpoles of the common eastern froglet [Crinia signifera] found in Spring Gully Conservation Park, Australia. These very common, ground-dwelling frogs range from southeastern Australia to the eastern coast of Brisbane, as well as the majority of Tasmania. These adaptable frogs can thrive in a variety of different habitats, though they’re most often spotted near water sources. Females lay an average of 200 eggs at a time, and the speed at which the tadpoles develop depends highly on the temperature of the surrounding water. Images by Sandy Horne.

[stickyfrogs]

Tonight we attended the Winter Frog Census at Yarran Dheran Nature Reserve! We met these beautiful Southern Brown Tree Frogs and recorded their songs for FrogID 🐸!

[stickyfrogs]

Tonight we have been Frogging at Greens Bush with Melbourne Water and Frog Expert Dave De Angelis! We met these Gorgeous Friends: Common Eastern Froglets in two different Fantastic Jackets! Southern Banjo Frog and Southern Brown Tree Frog!

(Dave has a special research permit to handle frogs in the wild)

[stickyfrogs]

Tonight we attended the Frog Census at Currawong Bush Park with Dave De Angelis and Melbourne Water! We met and heard some Gorgeous Yelling Friends! There are 4 different species calling here - Southern Brown Tree Frog, Whistling Tree Frog, Common Eastern Froglet, Spotted Marsh Frog!

[stickyfrogs]

Tonight we heard this Fabulous Concert at the Frog Census at Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary! This fine gentleman is a Southern Brown Tree Frog, and he is accompanied by Spotted Marsh Frogs and Common Eastern Froglets!

[stickyfrogs]

Today we visited Abbey Walk and Campbells Croft Reserve with Whitehorse Council as part of the Great Southern Bioblitz! We saw and heard Many Magnificent Friends including the Whistling Tree Frog, Southern Brown Tree Frog, Spotted Marsh Frog, Striped Marsh Frog, and Common Eastern Froglet!