Green & Golden Bell Frog

The Green and Golden Bell Frog is one of Australia's most visually striking amphibians, with its bright emerald green body flecked with golden-bronze markings. Their bright colouration serves both as camouflage among aquatic vegetation and a warning to predators of their mildly toxic skin secretions.

Once widespread across the southeast of the country, its range has diminished due to habitat loss and the introduction of predators like fish and feral cats. Despite its name, this frog is not particularly tiny and can grow up to 10 cm in length, making it one of the larger frog species in its range.

These frogs prefer still or slow-moving freshwater habitats, including ponds, marshes, and even disused swimming pools. They're known for their loud, deep croaking calls during the mating season. The males produce a motorbike-like growl to attract females, especially after rainfall. Their diet consists mainly of insects and other small invertebrates, but larger individuals have been known to eat small vertebrates like baby frogs.

Though they’ve suffered declines in many areas, green and golden bell frogs are still present in pockets of urban and coastal environments, and conservation programs are underway to protect them. 

Green and golden bell frogs sometimes bask in the sun, something quite unusual for amphibians! Most frogs avoid direct sunlight to prevent drying out, but this species soaks up the warmth to speed up digestion and metabolism, especially after a big meal.