Cophixalus neglectus

Conservation Status

Calling Period

Description

A small species of frog reaching up to 3 cm in body length. It has a dark red, brown, orange brown, light brown or dark brown back, with or without orange, brown, or black mottling. There is sometimes a pale longitudinal stripe along the middle of the back, and pale eye spots on the lower back. There is a black stripe behind the eye. The belly is cream-coloured or orange, sometimes with brown flecks. The pupil is horizontal and the iris is grey-gold. Fingers and toes are unwebbed, both with small discs. The first finger is very short compared to the rest.

Breeding Biology

Eggs are laid on land as a small cluster connected by a thin jelly string under vegetation, leaf litter, and rocks. The nest is guarded by the male, as it is with other Cophixalus species. Tadpoles never swim in water; instead they develop entirely inside the egg and hatch as little frogs. It is unknown how long they take to develop into frogs, but Cophixalus ornatus eggs have been recorded taking 28 days to hatch. Breeds during spring to summer after rain.

Similar Species

Looks most similar to Austrochaperina robusta in its distribution, but has a different call and shorter first finger.