Spotted Grass Frogs or Marsh Frogs can be found from North Queensland to Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia. They live within forests, woodlands and grasslands. What’s really interesting about these frogs is that their calls differ. The northern Spotted Grass Frogs have a machine gun “kuk kuk kuk,” while the southern frogs have a sharp, single “click” call. The males call while floating in the water.
Image Credit: Sunphlo at Backyard Buddies Used with permission
Mini Spotted Grass Frog Study
Indoor Prep Work
- Read Spotted Grass Frog at Backyard Buddies
- Read Spotted Marsh Frog at Australian Museum
- Watch/Hear Marsh Frogs Calling
Field Work
Visit a pond, river or lake in the early morning or at sunset. Can you hear any frogs calling? Do you think there are Spotted Grass Frogs among them? Investigate the pond for frogs. Take note of the ecosystem of the pond too. What else do you see or notice? What birds and insects are visiting the pond? What plants are growing there?
Field Journaling
Sketch a frog or draw a picture of your observations. Make notes explaining what you saw. Zoom in on an interesting part you’d like to learn more about. To do this, you’ll draw a magnified image of the part you’re focusing on. Then zoom out and add more details of the habitat the frog is living in. Add the sounds “kuk kuk kuk” to the journal along with a list of other creatures visiting the pond and what the frog may be eating.
Activities
- Download the FrogID App to identify frogs living near you. You’ll also be assisting the Australian Museum to count frogs.
- If you live in an area where there are many frogs, you may consider building a frog pond.
- Spotted Grass Frogs may be kept as pets with a permit.
- Use this Spotted Grass Frog Notebook Page to draw and write your observations.
Happy Exploring!
Marie
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