Eastern owl frog
A species of Heleioporus Scientific name : Heleioporus australiacus Genus : Heleioporus
Eastern owl frog, A species of Heleioporus
Scientific name: Heleioporus australiacus
Genus: Heleioporus
Content
Description General Info
Description
The giant burrowing frog or eastern owl frog (Heleioporus australiacus) is a large frog species that occurs in coastal south-east New South Wales and Victoria in Australia. It is also known as the owl frog, southern owl frog, spotted owl frog, burrowing owl frog.
General Info
Lifespan
25-30 years
Diet
Eastern owl frog is a largely insectivorous species, primarily consuming various invertebrates. It has a particular predilection for spiders, beetles, and caterpillars, which make up a significant portion of its intake.
AdultSize
large
Appearance
Eastern owl frog is a fairly large burrowing frog. It has a robust shape covered in rough, warty skin. The main coloration is brown, sometimes dark enough to be almost black, often with a lighter underbelly. The frog's most distinctive features are its large, protruding eyes and its comparatively short but strong limbs, each tipped with hard, shovel-like toes ideal for digging. There are no significant differences in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Eastern owl frog is a solitary and nocturnal species, primarily emerging at night to hunt for terrestrial invertebrates. It lives in burrowed nests and appears to be highly territorial, demonstrating aggressive defensive tactics when its habitat is intruded. While it does not migrate, its burrowing behavior helps in survival in arid conditions.
Population
Decreasing
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Frogs and toads Family
Australian ground frogs Genus
Heleioporus Species
Eastern owl frog