About Ranoidea australis (Gray, 1842)
This species, Ranoidea australis, has individuals that grow up to 100 mm in total length. Their dorsal coloration and patterning are highly variable; adult dorsal surfaces range from grey, dull pink, and green to the more common brown shade, and may occasionally bear darker markings. The dorsal skin is covered in low warts, and features two longitudinal skin folds, with a second pair of these folds running along the flanks. The belly is white and has a finely granular texture. A dark brown streak extends from the tip of the snout, crosses the tympanum, and ends above the shoulder. A bar of the same dark brown color runs beneath the eye, and another matching bar runs the full length of the upper jaw. The tympanum is distinct, and is partially covered by a skin fold. The back of the thighs ranges from flesh-colored to dark blue, while the groin is pale blue-green. The rear toes have slight webbing, and the front toes have no webbing at all. Ranoidea australis inhabits floodplains, woodlands, and grasslands. During the wet season, this species is commonly found basking during the day next to its breeding sites, which include temporary ponds, creeks, and flooded areas. Males produce a short "unk" call that can be heard from late November to February. Females lay eggs in clumps that can hold as many as 7000 eggs, though most clumps contain between 100 and 1000 eggs. The egg clumps sink shortly after being laid.
