This warty frog was found on the black soil plains near Moree in northern New South Wales after 100 mm of rain fell overnight. The owners of the property were worried that it might have been a Cane Toad.
In spite of the warts, short legs and squat shape, as well as its common name, this is a native burrowing frog. It is not a true toad. Its name also describes the pattern on its back - a rough cross of brown and red warts on an olive green background.
Holy Cross Toads are about 5 cm long. They can hop quickly and have been compared to colourful ping-pong balls. They feed on ants and termites that are abundant on the ground after rain.
Holy Cross Toads occur on the slopes and plains of inland New South Wales and southern Queensland. They burrow deep underground and only emerge from the soil after heavy rains, when they quickly start to breed. The males utter owl-like hoots to attract mates while they float in temporary pools of water. After mating, the females lay small eggs and the tadpoles develop quickly.
When the temporary pools dry up and food supplies dwindle, the frogs burrow again. Many other frogs in Australia's arid interior also survive during long drought periods by burrowing and emerging only for short periods of frantic activity after heavy rain.
December, 2004
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