Brown Tree Frog

Litoria ewingii are generally an overall light brown colour, although this may very from a white/grey to a dark brown background. They all have a white stripe along the jawline from the axilla, to at least, below the eye and sometimes to the end of the snout. Most frogs have a lighter patch on the top of the head, extending from between the eyes to the tip of the snout. The belly and throat are usually white or cream and the undersides of the thighs are bright orange. The eardrum (tympanum) is quite distinct and easily visible. The fingers and toes have slightly expanded tips (suckers) that are used for climbing, and webbing is usually absent. These are generally quite small frogs ranging from about 30-50 mm long (SVL).

Range and population. From the south-eastern corner of South Australia, east along the south coast of Victoria and into far south-eastern New South Wales. Isolated populations occur along the coast and ranges of central New South Wales. Widely distributed in Tasmania.The extent of occurrence of the species is approximately 311900 km2Widespread and common. In New Zealand it has now become quite widespread over all of the South Island and most of the southern and central North Island, with the odd record in the northern areas.

Various habitats from alpine to semi-arid shrubland, but most common in flooded grassland or marshes. Can also be found in suburban gardens. Common in both temporary and permanent water. Breeding occurs at any time of year with peaks in spring and autumn. Males call from the ground or in low vegetation at the water's edge or in water on floating vegetation. About 500 - 700 eggs are laid in small clumps attached to submerged vegetation. In still water in ponds, dams, lakes, streamside ponds and flooded roadside ditches. Metamorphosis takes 6-7 months.

Threats: Water pollution where the species occurs in urban areas.

This species is a popular species with children and many tadpoles are raised to the froglet stage. Much of its distribution in New Zealand can be correlated with deliberate releases by humans of the newly metamorphosed froglets.