Desert froglet

Desert froglet
	Desert froglet
Conservation status
	; Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Myobatrachidae
Genus:	Crinia
Species:	C. deserticola
Binomial name
	Crinia deserticola; (Liem & Ingram [ fr ], 1977)
	Distribution of the desert froglet
Synonyms
	Ranidella deserticolaLiem and Ingram, 1977

Last updated July 18, 2024

The desert froglet, chirping froglet, or sparrow froglet (Crinia deserticola) is a species of frog in the family Myobatrachidae, endemic to Australia.^[1]^[2] Desert froglets occur mainly in dry or moist savanna habitats, principally from the mid-western border of Northern Territory, south-east into western Queensland and New South Wales and the north-east corner of South Australia.^[3] They can also be found along the Queensland coast where it has been recorded between Townsville and Cooktown,^[4] and as far south as Hervey Bay (300 km north of Brisbane).

Taxonomy

General

The desert froglet is a member of the family Myobatrachidae. However debate exists about its scientific and common names. For instance, because comparative phylogeny studies of Crinia species are not comprehensive, there is debate over the taxonomic accuracy of its species groupings.^[5] One exception is the synonymisation of the genus Ranidella with Crinia^[6]^[7] based on morphological data and serum albumin similarities with R.signifera and C.signifera.^[8] In addition, although the term 'froglet' may seem suited as a general descriptor of smaller species, further taxonomic research of Crinia species, such as the desert froglet, is needed to clarify the relevancy of this term.^[9]

Genetic records

Crinia deserticola isolate SAMAR45118 tRNA-Gln and tRNA-Met genes, complete sequence; and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene, partial cds; mitochondrial

650 bp linear DNA
Accession: JX473815.1 GI: 401064967

Crinia deserticola isolate SAMAR52124 tRNA-Gln and tRNA-Met genes, complete sequence; and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene, partial cds; mitochondrial

650 bp linear DNA
Accession: JX473814.1 GI: 401064965

Crinia deserticola 658 mitochondrial partial nadh4 gene for NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4

408 bp linear DNA
Accession: AJ269697.1 GI: 7799385

Crinia deserticola 658 mitochondrial partial 16S rRNA gene

468 bp linear DNA
Accession: AJ269696.1 GI: 7799384

Description

The desert froglet is a ground dwelling frog with skin colour, texture and pattern variation common to other Crinia species.^[4] Generally the belly of adults is granular (not blotchy pink like the Tasmanian froglet). The male belly is uniformly white or grey in colour, and possibly flecked grey, whereas the female belly is either white, speckled, or boldly blotched with black or grey.^[4]^[7]^[8]

The throat of adults lack a median white line, unlike the Wallum froglet; with throats of breeding males white or grey and the chin completely dark. Spots are either inconspicuous or absent on the chest of both genders.^[8]

Also, adults have distinct dermal fringes on their toes and the hind side of their thighs lack the pink or red coloration of the quacking frog.^[8] The tympanum is obscure but not hidden unlike the remote froglet.^[8] The length of the adult snout-vent is usually less than 18 mm, which is shorter than the eastern sign-bearing froglet, and is a pale brown colour or slightly patterned.^[8] Additional diagnostic descriptors include: bluntly rounded snout, evenly rounded canthus rostralis, outwardly sloping loreal region, bluntly pointed head (dorsal view), lacks supratympanic fold, elongated tongue, lacks vomerine teeth, toothed upper jaw, vocal sac with slit-like openings on the floor of the mouth.^[7]

The distal segment of fingers is blunt, not expanded, with roundish sub-articular tubercles (one on 1st and 2nd fingers; two on 3rd and 4th fingers), supernumerary tubercles are present on each palm, two metacarpal tubercles are present, webbing is absent as is the nuptial pad, and subcutaneous glands are present on the base of the 1st finger.^[7]

Hind limbs are robust with blunt digital segmentation of toes with broad fringes and rounded metatarsal tubercles, supernumerary tubercles are absent indicating the desert froglet does not burrow.^[7]

Males mature at about 13.0–18.0 cm in length whereas females grow slightly larger to 13.0–18.0 cm.^[4]

Distribution and habitat

Distribution map.

Desert froglets are found in arid regions, especially in areas of black soil, extending across the Australian continent from the Kimberley region to the north-west of New South Wales and much of Queensland.^[4] The species is often associated with static, temporary or permanent water bodies where it shelters under leaves. They have also been located within artificial habitats such as farm dams, and sheltering under corrugated iron and timber piles.^[4]

Reproduction

Mating call

The desert froglet is recognised by the 'melodious chirping' call of the adult male, which sounds similar to a house sparrow.^[4]^[7] Each call consists of a repeating pattern: two pulses of 60 milliseconds each and 4000 hertz, which is immediately followed by two additional double pulses of decreasing energy and quickening rate, and a brief pause.^[7] Calls are distinct from the shorter creaking call of Sloane's froglet, stretched out call of the eastern sign-bearing froglet, lower pitch of the Wallum froglet, and grating sounds of the common eastern froglet.^[7]

Calling males can be found either hiding under vegetation or exposed at water edges.

Life history

Spawns of small eggs are laid as submerged clumps either directly within the water or attached to submerged vegetation.^[3]^[7] Eggs are black at the animal pole and cream at the vegetal.^[7]

Tadpole appearance is the same as the Eastern sign-bearing froglet and Common eastern froglet: dark brown in colour, a dextral anal opening, sinistral spiracle, blunt tail, labial papillar row interrupted on anterior and posterior portions, and a labial tooth row pattern of I, 1/1, II.^[7]

Threats

Although the desert froglet is not considered to be at threat of extinction,^[1] alterations to inland waters have potential to impact their populations, especially when water bodies are isolated and individuals cannot disperse to additional sources.^[11] Under these circumstances, any activity that negatively impacts these water bodies may cause species decline, including drinking, fouling and grazing by livestock and feral animals, road construction, non-native plants, groundwater extraction, pollution, tourism, mining, and long-term changes in weather patterns.^[12]

Related Research Articles

In molecular biology, housekeeping genes are typically constitutive genes that are required for the maintenance of basic cellular function, and are expressed in all cells of an organism under normal and patho-physiological conditions. Although some housekeeping genes are expressed at relatively constant rates in most non-pathological situations, the expression of other housekeeping genes may vary depending on experimental conditions.

Crinia is a genus of frog, native to Australia, and part of the family Myobatrachidae. It consists of small frogs, which are distributed throughout most of Australia, excluding the central arid regions. Many of the species within this genus are non-distinguishable through physical characteristics, and can only be distinguished by their calls.

The common eastern froglet is a very common, Australian ground-dwelling frog, of the family Myobatrachidae.

The streambank froglet or Flinders Ranges froglet is a small, locally common, Australian ground-dwelling frog, of the family Myobatrachidae.

The quacking frog, also known as the red-thighed froglet due to its legs tending to be bright red, is a species of frog from the Myobatrachidae family and is in a clad with five other species. The frog is well known for the sound it produces which resembles a quack. It has up to 11 notes and can change the notes in their call. It has larger testes compared to other frogs within the genus and has started to be used in experiments. This frog is found in southwest Australia. It is found in ponds and pools and other moisture filled areas. These frogs engage in polyandry and can result in multiple paternity of its offspring. Additionally, the tadpoles of this species can change the rate they metamorphosize depending on the conditions. The males tend to have larger arm girth and can adopt different mating strategies depending on size. The mating strategy is dependent on male density. The frogs also vary in terms of colour and texture of its skin. The tadpoles are generally golden with transparent tails.

The moss froglet is a species of frog in the family Myobatrachidae. It is endemic to southern Tasmania.

MT-ND6 is a gene of the mitochondrial genome coding for the NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase chain 6 protein (ND6). The ND6 protein is a subunit of NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone), which is located in the mitochondrial inner membrane and is the largest of the five complexes of the electron transport chain. Variations in the human MT-ND6 gene are associated with Leigh's syndrome, Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) and dystonia.

MT-ND4 is a gene of the mitochondrial genome coding for the NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase chain 4 (ND4) protein. The ND4 protein is a subunit of NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone), which is located in the mitochondrial inner membrane and is the largest of the five complexes of the electron transport chain. Variations in the MT-ND4 gene are associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) and cystic fibrosis.

MT-ND2 is a gene of the mitochondrial genome coding for the NADH dehydrogenase 2 (ND2) protein. The ND2 protein is a subunit of NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone), which is located in the mitochondrial inner membrane and is the largest of the five complexes of the electron transport chain. Variants of human MT-ND2 are associated with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), Leigh's syndrome (LS), Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) and increases in adult BMI.

MT-ND4L is a gene of the mitochondrial genome coding for the NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase chain 4L (ND4L) protein. The ND4L protein is a subunit of NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone), which is located in the mitochondrial inner membrane and is the largest of the five complexes of the electron transport chain. Variants of human MT-ND4L are associated with increased BMI in adults and Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON).

MT-ND1 is a gene of the mitochondrial genome coding for the NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase chain 1 (ND1) protein. The ND1 protein is a subunit of NADH dehydrogenase, which is located in the mitochondrial inner membrane and is the largest of the five complexes of the electron transport chain. Variants of the human MT-ND1 gene are associated with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), Leigh's syndrome (LS), Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) and increases in adult BMI.

NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] iron-sulfur protein 8, mitochondrial also known as NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase 23 kDa subunit, Complex I-23kD (CI-23kD), or TYKY subunit is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the NDUFS8 gene. The NDUFS8 protein is a subunit of NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) also known as Complex I, which is located in the mitochondrial inner membrane and is the largest of the five complexes of the electron transport chain. Mutations in this gene have been associated with Leigh syndrome.

NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] iron-sulfur protein 2, mitochondrial (NDUFS2) also known as NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase 49 kDa subunit is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the NDUFS2 gene. The protein encoded by this gene is a core subunit of the mitochondrial membrane respiratory chain NADH dehydrogenase. Mutations in this gene are associated with mitochondrial complex I deficiency.

NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] 1 alpha subcomplex subunit 1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NDUFA1 gene. The NDUFA1 protein is a subunit of NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone), which is located in the mitochondrial inner membrane and is the largest of the five complexes of the electron transport chain. Mutations in the NDUFA1 gene are associated with mitochondrial Complex I deficiency.

NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] iron-sulfur protein 7, mitochondrial, also knowns as NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase 20 kDa subunit, Complex I-20kD (CI-20kD), or PSST subunit is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the NDUFS7 gene. The NDUFS7 protein is a subunit of NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) also known as Complex I, which is located in the mitochondrial inner membrane and is the largest of the five complexes of the electron transport chain.

NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] 1 beta subcomplex subunit 6, also known as complex I-B17, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NDUFB6 gene. NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) 1 beta subcomplex subunit 6, is an accessory subunit of the NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) complex, located in the mitochondrial inner membrane. It is also known as Complex I and is the largest of the five complexes of the electron transport chain.

NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] 1 beta subcomplex subunit 9 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the NDUFB9 gene. NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) 1 beta subcomplex subunit 9 is an accessory subunit of the NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) complex, located in the mitochondrial inner membrane. It is also known as Complex I and is the largest of the five complexes of the electron transport chain.

NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] 1 alpha subcomplex subunit 10 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the NDUFA10 gene. The NDUFA10 protein is a subunit of NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone), which is located in the mitochondrial inner membrane and is the largest of the five complexes of the electron transport chain. Mutations in subunits of NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone), also known as Complex I, frequently lead to complex neurodegenerative diseases such as Leigh's syndrome. Furthermore, reduced NDUFA10 expression levels due to FOXM1-directed hypermethylation are associated with human squamous cell carcinoma and may be related to other forms of cancer.

NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] 1 beta subcomplex subunit 11, mitochondrial is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the NDUFB11 gene. NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) 1 beta subcomplex subunit 11 is an accessory subunit of the NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) complex, located in the mitochondrial inner membrane. It is also known as Complex I and is the largest of the five complexes of the electron transport chain. NDUFB11 mutations have been associated with linear skin defects with multiple congenital anomalies 3 and mitochondrial complex I deficiency.

References

1 2 3 IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group. (2022). "Crinia deserticola". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2022: e.T41133A78439920. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-2.RLTS.T41133A78439920.en . Retrieved 21 February 2024.
1 2 Frost, Darrel R. (2024). "Crinia deserticola (Liem and Ingram, 1977)". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.2. American Museum of Natural History. doi:10.5531/db.vz.0001 . Retrieved 21 February 2024.
1 2 Barker, J.; Grigg, G.; Tyler, M. (1995). A Field Guide to Australian Frogs. Edition 2. Chipping Norton (Australia): Surrey Beatty & Sons. ISBN 0949324612.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Tyler, M; Knight, F. (2009). Field guide to the frogs of Australia. Collingwood (Australia): CSIRO Publishing. ISBN 9780643092440..
↑ Read, K; Keogh, J.; Scott, I.; Roberts, J.; Doughty, P. (2001). "Molecular phylogeny of the Australian frog genera Crinia, Geocrinia, and allied taxa (Anura: Myobatrachidae)". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 21 (2): 294–308. Bibcode:2001MolPE..21..294R. doi:10.1006/mpev.2001.1014. ISSN 1055-7903. PMID 11697923.
↑ Heyer, W.; Daugherty, C.; Maxson, L. (1982). "Systematic resolution of the genera of the Crinia complex (Amphibia: Anura: Myobatrachidae)". Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington. 95: 423–427. ISSN 0006-324X.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Liem, D.; Ingram, G (1977). "Two new species of frogs (Anura: Myobatrachidae, Pelodryadidae) from Queensland and New South Wales". Victorian Naturalist. 94 (6): 255–62. ISSN 0042-5184.
1 2 3 4 5 6 Cogger, H (2000). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia, Sixth Edition. New Holland, N.S.W.: New Holland. ISBN 1876334339.
↑ Reynolds, S. (2007). "Some common names for top end frogs". Northern Territory Naturalist. 19: 60–68. doi: 10.5962/p.295526 . ISSN 0155-4093. S2CID 131508108.
↑ Tyler, M (2000). Australian frogs: a natural history. Frenchs Forest, N.S.W: New Holland. p. 90. ISBN 1876334207.
↑ Hutchings, P.; Ponder, W. (1999). "Criteria for assessing and conserving threatened invertebrates". In Ponder, W.; Lunney, D. (eds.). The Other 99%: The Conservation and Biodiversity of Invertebrates. Sydney, NSW: Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales. pp. 297–315. doi:10.7882/RZSNSW.1999.048. ISBN 0958608512.
↑ Box, J; Duguid, A; Read, R; Kimber, R; Knapton, A; Davis, J; Bowland, A (2008). "Central Australian waterbodies: the importance of permanence in a desert landscape". Journal of Arid Environments. 72 (8): 1395–1413. Bibcode:2008JArEn..72.1395B. doi:10.1016/j.jaridenv.2008.02.022.