About Ranoidea nudidigita (Copland, 1963)
Ranoidea nudidigita is a small species of tree frog, reaching up to around 40 mm (1.6 in) in length. Adult individuals typically have green dorsal surfaces, though they may sometimes be brown, while newly metamorphosed frogs are always dull brown. This species is very similar to the closely related leaf green tree frog (Ranoidea phyllochroa), and the two are distinguished by their distribution and their calls. One key physical difference is that the tympanum is indistinct in Ranoidea nudidigita, while it is distinct in R. phyllochroa. A black stripe runs along the side of the head, starting at the nostril and continuing down the side of the body; this stripe often grows wider further down the body. A thin gold stripe runs above the black stripe, following the same path. This species was only split from the leaf green tree frog relatively recently. Sydney, Australia is recognized as the dividing line between the ranges of the two species: R. nudidigita occurs south of Sydney, while R. phyllochroa occurs north of Sydney. Hybridisation between the two species can occur in the area around southern Sydney, stretching from Royal National Park to approximately Wollongong, which is considered a hybrid zone. Ranoidea nudidigita is found alongside streams and creeks in rainforests, as well as in both wet and dry sclerophyll forests. It is rarely encountered far from running water. Males of this species produce a call similar to that of R. phyllochroa: it consists of one long opening note, followed by a series of shorter notes. Males call during spring and summer from vegetation growing around streams.
