Peron’s Tree Frog

Photo: Carmen Wels

Peron’s Tree Frog

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What do they look like?

The Peron’s Tree Frog (Litoria peronii) is a relatively large tree frog, growing up to 7cm in length. It can appear in a range of different colours depending on light, temperature and moisture.

You are more likely to see this buddy in shades of white during the day and brown at night but they always have green speckles on their back, which is where it gets its other name: the Emerald Spotted Tree Frog.

Where are they found?

These tree frogs are a very common resident in lots of suburban areas particularly around Sydney. The best time to search for Peron’s Tree Frogs is after rain and when the temperature is warm. You will often find them near outdoor lights catching the insects attracted to the light.

Fast facts:

  1. The Peron’s Tree Frog has a loud repetitive call, sounding like a jackhammer crossed with a machine gun. They usually start when the sun goes down and don’t stop until the sun comes up.
  2. November is the middle of their breeding season, when the noise levels will be at their peak. The male tree frog calls from high up in a tree but he has also developed a cunning tactic of using the downpipes in your house to amplify his calls to potential mates.

Peron’s Tree Frog – the full story

The Peron’s Tree Frog (Litoria peronii) has a loud repetitive call, sounding like a jackhammer crossed with a machine gun. They usually start when the sun goes down and don’t stop until the sun comes up. Spring is breeding time for this common backyard tree frog. Despite their noisy night-time calls; these frogs are very handy visitors to your garden.

Also called Emerald Spotted Tree Frog because of its green speckled back, this buddy has an impressive trick up its sleeve. The Peron’s Tree Frog is a relatively large tree frog, growing up to 7cm in length and can change the colour of its entire body in a matter of seconds. Depending on temperature, time of day and humidity they can appear brown, green or white. During the day they will usually take on a white colour and at night they tend to look brown with mottled yellow thighs.

November is the middle of their breeding season, when the noise levels will be at their peak. The male tree frog calls from high up in a tree but he has also developed a cunning tactic of using the downpipes in your house to amplify his calls to potential mates.

Like all frogs, the Peron’s Tree Frog plays an important role in our backyards, eating almost any insect it can catch.

These tree frogs are a very common resident in lots of suburban areas particularly around Sydney. The best time to search for Peron’s Tree Frogs is after rain and when the temperature is warm. You will often find them near outdoor lights catching the insects attracted to the lights.

Did you know?

The Peron’s Tree Frog looks almost identical to the Tyler’s Tree Frog. One of the best ways to tell them apart is by their calls. The Peron’s Tree Frog sounds more like heavy machinery whereas the Tyler’s Tree Frog is more like a cackling laugh.

Tip

If you have a pond, make sure you keep it topped up throughout spring and summer to give all frogs and local wildlife important access to fresh water in the hot weather.

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