About Notaden bennettii Günther, 1873
Notaden bennettii, commonly known as the crucifix toad, is the most visually distinctive species in the genus Notaden. Most other Notaden frogs are dark brown, but the crucifix toad displays many bright colors. Its dorsal surface is bright yellow, marked with a multi-colored cross centered on its back. The cross is outlined with large black dots, and its interior is filled with white, black, and red dots. The crucifix toad has a white ventral surface and blue flanks. It is a small, very round frog with a blunt nose and small legs and feet. As a fossorial (burrowing) species, its tympanum (eardrum) is hidden. Males grow to a maximum length of 6.3 centimeters (2 15⁄32 inches), while females reach 6.8 centimeters (2 11⁄16 inches). The species has small spade-like structures on its feet to help it burrow deeply. This ground-dwelling frog lives in arid regions of western New South Wales and Queensland. It survives dry periods by burrowing underground and reducing its activity. After very heavy rain, individuals emerge from the ground to breed in temporary ponds. Males call from within the pond to attract females, producing a call described as a "woop". Tadpole development is very rapid, allowing the species to take advantage of temporary wet conditions and reduce the risk of tadpoles dying when ponds dry up; the entire development cycle can complete in as little as six weeks. When provoked, the crucifix toad exudes a tacky, elastic substance called "frog glue" onto its dorsal skin. The purpose of this glue is not confirmed: it may confuse and deter predators like snakes, or trap biting insects that the frog later eats when it sheds and consumes its skin. Males have been observed using this glue to attach themselves to larger females during mating. This frog glue has been found to be stronger than currently available non-toxic medical adhesives, so it is the subject of ongoing research. It is a protein-based pressure-sensitive adhesive that works effectively even in wet conditions. The crucifix toad's diet is made up primarily of ants and termites.
