Look out for April's frog of the month in wet weather

The frog of the month for April is the Peron’s tree frog (Pengilleyia peronii).

This large species of treefrog is common across eastern Australia, excluding areas of northern Queensland.

They are quite easily recognisable by their distinctive cross-shaped pupils and grey-brown colouration, which often has emerald-green speckling.

This species is quite common in the Illawarra, residing around many of our local streams and ponds, and is also a frequent resident of suburban gardens with frog ponds. While they are usually in and around water sources, after rainfall they become quite active and will venture around the bushland or local backyards.

I photographed this well-camouflaged frog after almost accidentally stepping on him while walking along a fire trail in Darkes Forest one rainy evening.

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