Striped Marsh Frog Limnodynastes peronii

Frogs of Victoria series

Identification

The Striped Marsh Frog, Limnodynastes peronii, is a fairly large species, growing up to 75 mm in length, with prominent alternate light and dark stripes and a narrow, pale mid-vertebral stripe on a light brown or grey-brown background.

Photo of Striped Marsh Frog, Limnodynastes peronii

Striped Marsh Frog
Photographer: Peter Robertson / Source: Wildlife Profiles Pty. Ltd.

Distribution and habitat

It is widespread across southern Victoria and occurs throughout the entire Melbourne area in wetlands. It is usually found calling from vegetation beside pools or hiding under fallen logs.

Biology

Adults eat a variety of foods, including smaller frogs. Females lay their eggs in floating foam masses attached to vegetation in still waters. Tadpoles grow to a maximum length of 60 mm.

Further Reading

Barker, J., Grigg, G. and Tyler, M. J. 1995. A Field Guide to Australian Frogs. Surrey Beatty & Sons, Sydney.

Cogger, H. 2000. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Reed Books, Sydney.

Hero, J. M., Littlejohn, M. & Marantelli, G. 1991. Frogwatch Field Guide to Victorian Frogs. Department of Conservation and Environment, East Melbourne.

Tyler, M. J. 1992. Encyclopaedia of Australian Animals: Frogs. Angus & Robertson, Sydney.

Comments (8)

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Tim 26 December, 2010 21:06
Is the stripped mash frog poisinous to dog? Also does it live in QLD?
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maDIE 12 February, 2011 13:07
i have a frog in my backyard it kinda looks lyk tthiz and is it poisonous can i pick it up?
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Austin 12 December, 2011 09:22
I am growing some Limnodynastes peronii, this frog is not toxic, and to maDIE, The Striped Marsh frog will make a knocking sound. A good site to go to is, http://frogsaustralia.net.au/frogs/display.cfm?frog_id=40
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Discovery Centre 29 January, 2012 16:28

Hi Ben, there are two types of Marsh Frog - the Striped Marsh Frog (Limnodynastes peroni) and the Spotted Marsh Frog (Limnodynastes tasmaniensis). They look very similar and have similar distributions and life styles, and both occur in Sydney, but your frogs are most likely to be the latter.

Marsh Frogs can be common in suburban areas and many gardeners build frog bogs to encourage them. Having frogs in your backyard can be a sign of a healthy environment, particularly if they've moved in of their own accord. You can't be fined for having them there, so just sit back and enjoy them.

 

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Ben 26 January, 2012 22:53
I have two mash frogs in my backyard drains! I can't remove them as most of the time they are in the pipes, what should I do and can I get fined for having then in my garden? I live in Sydney, NSW
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Discovery Centre 15 February, 2011 12:55
Madie - as it is a wild animal, we don't recommend you try picking up the frog. However, we don't believe Striped Marsh Frogs pose any health concerns to humans
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julie 21 February, 2011 13:39
hi, this states up to 75mm so how small could they be? the frog that I had in my living room was around 30mm. would this make it a different striped frog or a recent graduate from tadpole to frog? also Tim hasn't got an answer posted, are they poisonous to large dogs? Lignite barked at it but backed off any time it moved (she also did this for the blue tongue lizard we encountered) but would like to know. thanks Julie
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Discovery Centre 23 February, 2011 13:40
Hi Julie; while it is possible that the frog you saw was a very young adult Striped Marsh Frog, it could equally be another species, you can try identifying it via the Bioinformatics website on frogs at http://museumvictoria.com.au/bioinformatics/frog/ . In terms of toxicty, our resources show the Striped Marsh frog has no known toxins, however you might be better placed checking with a specialist veterinarian to clarify on any problems these animals pose to dogs.
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