Crucifix toad

The crucifix toad (Notaden bennettii), or holy cross frog, is a species of frog in the family Limnodynastidae. It is a fossorial frog. It is one of the few Australian frogs to display aposematism. It is native to western New South Wales and south-western Queensland.

Crucifix toad
A male crucifix toad.
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Limnodynastidae
Genus: Notaden
Species:
N. bennettii
Binomial name
Notaden bennettii
Günther, 1873
Range of the crucifix toad
A small holy cross frog

Description

The crucifix toad is the most distinctive species of frog within the genus Notaden. Whereas most Notaden frogs are dark brown in colour, the crucifix toad exhibits many bright colours. Its dorsal surface is bright yellow, with a cross of many colours centered on the back. The cross is outlined with large, black dots, and filled with white, black and red dots. The ventral surface is white, and the flanks blue.

The crucifix toad is a small, and very round frog. Its nose is blunt, and legs and feet are small. As this species is fossorial, the tympanum is hidden. Males reach a length of 6.3 centimetres (2.5 in), and females a length of 6.8 centimetres (2.7 in). The species feet have little "spades" to help them burrow deeply.[1]

Ecology and behaviour

The crucifix toad is a ground-dwelling frog which inhabits the arid areas of western New South Wales and Queensland. To survive long periods without water, the crucifix toad will bury itself underground and encase itself in a cocoon.[2] Upon very heavy rain, they will emerge from the ground, and begin breeding in temporary ponds. The males call from within the pond to attract the female. The call is a "woop". The development of the tadpole is rapid so as to take advantage of the wet conditions and reducing the risk of them dying from the pond drying up. The cycle is so quick it can be over in six weeks.[2]

The frog exudes a tacky and elastic "frog glue" onto its dorsal skin when provoked. Its purpose is uncertain; it may be intended to confuse and deter predators such as snakes, or to trap biting insects (which would later be consumed when the frog sheds and eats its skin). Male crucifix toads have been documented to use this glue to attach themselves onto the larger females during mating. The glue has been found to be stronger than available non-toxic medical adhesives and is the subject of further study. The glue is a protein-based pressure-sensitive adhesive that functions even in wet conditions.[1][3]

The crucifix toad's diet primarily consists of ants and termites.

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See also

Further reading
  • Barker, J.; Grigg, G.C.; Tyler, M.J. (1995). A Field Guide to Australian Frogs. Surrey Beatty & Sons. ISBN 978-0-949324-61-0.

References
  1. Frog Glue. Catalyst. 3 August 2006.
  2. "Rain brings out native toad". The Ridge News. Fairfax Media. 20 January 2011. Archived from the original on 27 February 2011. Retrieved 15 March 2011.
  3. Characterization of a Protein-based Adhesive Elastomer Secreted by the Australian Frog Notaden bennetti. 7 September 2005.
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