description Spencer's Burrowing Frog Overview
Spencer's burrowing frog (Neobatrachus spenceri) is an amphibian species native to the arid and semi-arid interior regions of Australia. It was named in honor of the English-Australian zoologist Walter Baldwin Spencer. Adapted to survive in harsh desert environments, this frog spends prolonged periods of drought aestivating in a subterranean cocoon formed from its own shed skin to retain moisture. It emerges only after heavy rains to breed quickly in temporary pools and feed on insects before returning underground.
help Spencer's Burrowing Frog FAQ
Is Neobatrachus spenceri the current scientific name for Spencer's burrowing frog?
The Australian frog references I checked use Opisthodon spenceri for Spencer's Burrowing Frog, while older records also use Platyplectrum spenceri. Neobatrachus is a different Australian frog genus, so the catalog name should be treated cautiously. [FrogID species profile](https://www.frogid.net.au/frogs/platyplectrum-spenceri/)
Where does Spencer's burrowing frog live?
It is associated with western and central Australia, especially sandy soils in rocky country and sandy creek beds. The frog uses loose ground where it can dig a shelter.
How does Spencer's burrowing frog survive Australia's dry conditions?
It spends much of its time in a burrow and becomes active mainly at night or after rain. This underground habit helps it avoid the hottest and driest conditions on the surface.
How can Spencer's burrowing frog be distinguished from similar Australian burrowing frogs?
FrogID notes that it has a different call and more toe webbing than the Ornate Burrowing Frog. It also lacks the dark metatarsal tubercles found in many Neobatrachus species.
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