Frogs of Australia

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Key guide to Victorian frogs

The Frogs of Victoria project is retained only for the great key guide. Work through a series of questions until, finally, your frog is identified.

Key guide

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Litoria spenceri

Spotted Tree Frog

Also: Spencer's River Tree Frog , Spencer's Tree Frog

+ 50 kb Spotted Tree Frog (Litoria spenceri)

Currently the subject of intense scientific study, this frog's distribution seems to be rapidly shrinking and it is regarded as endangered. Like Litoria aurea and Litoria raniformis it has been known to bask in open sunlight.

Distribution and habitat

Adults inhabit wet gullies and streams in both wet and dry forest. Tadpoles can be found in moving water, in streams and streamside ponds.

There is a detailed distribution map available for: Victoria.

Life cycle

Distinguishing characteristics

Spotted Tree Frog (Litoria spenceri) Copyright Graeme Gillespie. Photograph by Graeme Gillespie.

+ 66 kb Spotted Tree Frog (Litoria spenceri)

Adult length: 42-70mm.
Tadpoles are dark brown with black spots, the fins are flecked with brown. Adults have a warty back, an indistinct or hidden tympanum (ear) and are either green or brown, often spotted or flecked with green.

Similar species (note: this version was written for Victorian species).

Litoria spenceri can be distinguished from Litoria nudidigitus by having a warty back. It can be distinguished from Litoria citropa by not possessing a distinct tympanum (ear).