Motorbike Frog

Motorbike Frog

(Litoria moorei)

Western Australia’s motorbike frog is the most common frog found in the southwest. Getting its name from the call, which is reminiscent of a motorbike changing gears, they call in the breeding season from early spring well into the summer months. Motorbike frogs are highly variable in body markings, with mottled green and gold markings against paler skin through to a uniform brown colour all over. 

Habitat

Motorbike frogs are usually found close to water sources, even in metro regions around parks and suburban gardens with ponds. Located along river banks and close to dams in rural areas, they are ground-dwelling frogs but are excellent climbers, often found in low trees and shrubs at night searching for food. During the day, they enjoy sunbathing for a couple of hours which contributes to the animal’s health.

Diet

Being large, substantial frogs up to 7.5cm in length, motorbike frogs feed predominantly on insects (arthropods) and predate on other smaller frogs.

Breeding

Males often call from floating vegetation or from within the reeds growing alongside ponds. The female lays large numbers of eggs suspended in a transparent jelly attached to floating vegetation. Tadpoles grow up to 8cm long, feeding on algae and animal matter and swimming together in schools. They begin their metamorphosis into froglets in late summer.

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