Western Bullfrog

Description

The western banjo frog (Limnodynastes dorsalis) is a species of frog from the family Limnodynastidae. The common names for this species are pobblebonk, sand frog and bullfrog. It is one of the endemic amphibians of Western Australia. A large frog in the family Myobatrachidae, it has sturdy limbs and a head that is triangular. Females are up to 87 mm (3.4 in) long, the males are no bigger than 75 mm (3.0 in). The frog is grey or brownish-olive coloured, with irregular blotches and marbling of a very dark or black colour. They have poisonous glands on their calves. The markings are large on the upper surface and smaller at the legs and face. A wide and dark stripe appears across the eye and extends to the fore limb. The underside is pale, white or yellowish, and smooth. The upper surface is also smooth, or may be slightly warty. A large oval bump, the tibial gland, is located on the upper calf of the hind leg. The toes are very slightly webbed, the second toe is perhaps a little longer than the first. The groin area is reddish to bright red, this distinguishes the western species from the otherwise similar Limnodynastes dumerilii (eastern banjo frog). The call is a made by males when they are almost submerged, or in dense vegetation, this is a loud 'plonk' or 'bonk' sound. This sound is similar to a plucked banjo string, and it is from this that the common names are derived. The 'explosive' sound of the frogs calling in unison is well known in the region.

Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article “Limnodynastes dorsalis”.