Ornate Burrowing-frog

We have several frogs that live about our place. Some reside in our shed or drains. Some in our backyard pond. Lately I've been hearing a new frog out in the pond on dusk. I haven't caught a glimps of it yet but have listened intently to its call. Last night I recorded its call and so hopefully I'll be able to identify it soon.

Then this morning I was upstairs and I happened to look out the window at the pond. I noticed a frog amoung the reeds, so I raced down and snapped a few shots of this gorgeous little fello.

I identified it as an Ornate Burrowing frog. It's a species of ground frog native to Australia. Previously this species was known as Limnodynastes ornatus and then Opisthodon ornatus, in 2006 following a major revision of amphibians. Now reclassified again as Platylectrum ornatum.

The most distinguishing feature I noticed was the patch of pale markings between and behind the eyes. Also the strips down its legs. It's call however it a resonant, nasal "unkh" which is not the call I recorded last night. So I'm excited to know we have several different species living in my own backyard.

From reading, this little burrowing frog generally is only seen after rains. We did have a spit of rain last night and from the weather predicted this week, we are meant to be in for more rain. So maybe this has brought it out of its burrow and into my pond. Lucky for us!