Northern Dwarf Tree Frog - a little beauty

The Northern Dwarf Tree Frog, scientifically known as Litoria bicolor, is a small and colorful amphibian that is native to Australia.

These frogs are generally found in the tropical regions of northern Australia, including the Northern Territory and Western Australia. The species is commonly found in forested areas near still waters, such as ponds and billabongs, and is also known to inhabit artificial water bodies such as swimming pools and garden ponds.

The Northern Dwarf Tree Frog is a relatively small frog, reaching a length of only around 3cm. They have a bright green or yellow-green coloration on their dorsal side, with a paler belly and distinctive dark stripes on their legs.

Their large toe pads are also a defining feature, which allow them to climb trees and other vegetation in their habitat. Despite their small size, these frogs have a loud, distinctive call which is often heard during breeding season.

The Northern Dwarf Tree Frog is an important species in the ecosystem as they serve as both predator and prey.

They primarily feed on small insects, such as flies and beetles, while also providing a food source for larger predators such as snakes and birds.

Unfortunately, the species has experienced some population decline due to habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as the introduction of invasive species.

Conservation efforts are being made to protect their habitat and prevent further declines in population, but more research is needed to fully understand their ecology and behavior.

Where spotted: Lorella Springs in Northern Territory

Northern Dwarf Tree Frog – more information

One funny fact about the Northern Dwarf Tree Frog is that it has a unique defense mechanism to protect itself from predators. When threatened, it will puff up its body to make itself look larger and more intimidating. However, due to its small size, this tactic is often ineffective and can be quite comical to witness.

Another amusing fact about the Northern Dwarf Tree Frog is its mating call. Unlike many frogs that have a loud and distinctive call, the Northern Dwarf Tree Frog’s mating call is often described as sounding like a duck quacking. This unusual sound has been known to confuse and amuse hikers and nature enthusiasts who come across the frog in the wild.

Finally, it’s worth noting that the Northern Dwarf Tree Frog has a bit of a celebrity status in the world of herpetology. In 2012, a team of researchers studying the frog discovered that it has the ability to rapidly change color depending on its surroundings, a phenomenon known as rapid color change. This discovery made headlines in the scientific community and helped to bring attention to this small but fascinating species.