Crucifix Frog

Scientific name: Notaden bennettii

Alternative name/s:
Crucifix Toad, Holy Cross Frog, Cross Frog, Catholic Frog

Author(s)

FrogID Team
Updated

08/04/21
Read time

2 minutes

Crucifix Frog — Juveniles. These little fellows were no more than 2 cm long when photographed. Images created at the request of Martyn Robinson. Image: Stuart Humphreys
© Australian Museum

Fast Facts

IUCN Conservation Status

LEAST CONCERN (LC)
Classification

Genus

Notaden

Species

bennettii

Family

Myobatrachidae

Order

Anura

Class

Amphibia

Subphylum

Vertebrata

Phylum

Chordata
Size Range

Between 4.5-6.5cm long
Habitats

temporary pond
Life history mode

fossorial
Feeding Habits

insectivorous

Description

A large species of frog reaching up to 6.5 cm in body length. It has a bright yellow or yellow-green back, with a distinct cross-shaped pattern of bright red and black spots. The belly is white, and the male has a brown throat. The pupil is horizontal or nearly round, and the iris is gold. Fingers are unwebbed and toes are one-quarter webbed, both without discs. Their skin can secrete a very sticky glue-like substance.

Identification

A medium -sized frog with round body and relatively short limbs and large eyes. This species is easily identified by its lime green or lemon yellow skin covered with a pattern of dark spots resembling a cross.

Similar Species

Does not look similar to any other species in its distribution.

Distribution

Found west of the ranges throughout inland NSW and in the southern half of QLD.

Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

Breeding Biology

Eggs are laid as a cluster at the surface of the water in temporary ponds and flooded areas. Tadpoles can reach a total length of up to 5 cm, and are copper in colour. They often remain on the bottom of water bodies, and take around one and a half months to develop into frogs. Breeds during spring to autumn after heavy rain.