The Centralian Tree Frog (Ranoidea gilleni, formerly Litoria gilleni), is found in a small region of Central Australia. It has a dark olive to bright lime green dorsal, with small cream to white spots and blotches. The spots distinguish the Centralian Tree Frog from the Australian Green Tree Frog.
The frog can appear a bright green in water, then on leaving the water, it can darken to a dark olive green (see images). The under belly of the frog is cream to white.
The Centralian Tree Frogs are rarely seen during the day, being nocturnal they are only usually seen after dark. Despite its name, they are not necessarily found in trees, as here in Simpsons Gap they hide away under rocks and in rock crevasses, where there is a constant temperature of between 18º and 25º degrees.
Common name Centralian Tree Frog, Centralian Green Frog, Inland Green Tree Frog.
Size Can reach a length of 8 cm in females. The male is smaller, up to about 6.2 cm.
Centralian Tree Frog (Ranoidea gilleni) and moth, Simpsons Gap, NT
Distribution and Habitat The Centralian Tree Frog is found only in a small region of Central Australia mainly in rocky gorges with waterholes. During the day, they hide beneath boulders.
Call A slow repeated barking sound.
Centralian Tree Frog (Ranoidea gilleni), Simpsons Gap, West MacDonnell Ranges, NT
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Hylidae
Genus: Ranoidea
Species: R. gilleni
Binomial name: Ranoidea gilleni
Centralian Tree Frog (Ranoidea gilleni) at Simpsons Gap, West MacDonnell Ranges, NT