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Frogs world wide are having a tough time. A Chytrid fungus has been linked to the decline and disappearance of many frog species. We are providing frog habitat in our cold climate garden with a number of ponds. So far we have five species using our aquatic environments. Litoria wilcoxi, the Stony Creek Frog, is one of our most frequently observed species. This frog is found in northern New South Wales and southern Queensland.
The Stony Creek Frog was previously included in the Litoria lesueuri species but was split in 2004.
Litoria wilcoxi is a large frog that may reach a length of 70 millimetres. The upper body colour varies from pale fawn to dark brown. There is a distinctive, narrow, black streak that runs from the snout, to the eye and continues to near the base of the forelimb. The groin is yellow with black blotches. The eardrum (or tympanum) is prominent and situated below the black streak and behind the eye. The tympanum is clearly seen on the main image.
The Stony Creek Frog has pads on all fingers and toes (see small image) that are perfectly adapted for climbing, even on smooth surfaces. The frogs are often seen on our windows at night seeking supper.
Litoria wilcoxi is a terrestrial, nocturnal frog that occupies a wide habitat range including dry sclerophyll forest, woodland, heathland and rainforest.
Sometimes the species is known as Litoria wilcoxii.
The specimen illustrated was found under a chair on our patio. At times there are at least three Stony Creek Frogs either resting on or in our stacked plastic chairs.
Some of this information was gleaned from the excellent book:
Reptiles & Amphibians of Australia by Harold G. Cogger, published by Reed Books.