Nora the Pianist

Jackie Got Caught

From: Ju's Little Sister [mailto:######@gmail.com]

Sent: Thursday, 1 May 2008 6:37 p.m.
To: '####@nzfrogs.org'
Subject: Frog ID

Hi,

I found this wee kung fu master in my house on Wednesday night. I suspect my cat brought him/her in.

I tried your ID chart, but couldn’t really be confident as to which kind of frog had visited me. As far as I could tell the frog was pretty much 60mm in length which didn’t help much with the greater than / less than comparison. It’s certainly the largest specimen I have ever encountered!

I managed to use a plastic container to return Jackie Chan to the small lot of native bush behind my house, but wondered if you would be able to spare a moment to let me know which frog I have encountered?

Also, I have locked the cat door to allow Jackie a clean get away, just in case.

Thank you for your time,

Sarah.

-----Original Message-----
From: froginfo [mailto:####@nzfrogs.org]
Sent: Tuesday, 3 June 2008 5:39 p.m.
To: 'Ju's Little Sister'
Subject: Re: Frog ID

Hi [Ju's Little Sister]

Your Jackie Chan was Litoria aurea - the green and golden bell frog - hope you
gave your chat a good chastising!?

Phil

-----Original Message-----
From: Plumpy [mailto:plumpy.prouting@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, 4 June 2008 5:39 a.m.
To: '####@nzfrogs.org'
Subject: Litoria aurea

Hi Phil.

I have developed an interest in the local wildlife around my home as I often hear some beautiful music at night but until now have not known what sort of creatures made these wonderful songs. I have recently encountered the lovely green and golden bell frog, and through extensive research of my own I have even learnt its latin name - Litoria aurea. This is such an interesting creature and I find myself fascinated by its song, its appearance and the interesting way it jumps rather suddenly when you touch its tail.

Would you be able to send me some more information? I would be interested in its day and night-time habits, choices of habitat, the food it eats, and the best way to observe one in its natural environment. Especially how to find one without it knowing you are there, just so that I can see how it really lives. Because apparently they aren't allowed to live behind washing machines or in shoes. That's what Mum says anyway.

Thank you for your help.

Plumpy.