The Crying out Tree Frog

Litoria dentata

is a well-known amphibian among the residents of eastern Australia, renowned for its incredibly loud call, often described as piercing and almost unbearable to listen to. Previously believed to have a wide distribution from southeast Queensland to Victoria, recent collaborative research, including the analysis of submissions to the Australian Museum's FrogID Project, has revealed that this frog is not one but three distinct species.

While they may appear similar and share their piercing calls, the frogs are genetically quite different, leading to the recognition of two new species in Australia. Among the three species, there are noticeable variations: the slender Crying out Tree Frog appears slim with a white line running down its side, and males possess a distinct dark vocal sac.

On the other hand, the Shouting Tree

Frog is not as slender, lacks the white line on its side, and boasts a striking yellow vocal sac. During the breeding season, male individuals of the Shouting Tree Frog often turn lemon yellow. Lastly, the Robust Crying Tree

Frog resembles the Shouting Tree Frog in appearance. However, males possess a caramel-colored vocal sac that turns dark yellow or yellowishbrown when fully inflated.