Hochstetter's frog

Hochstetters frog
Hochstetters frog Leiopelma hochstetteri
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Subphylum:	Vertebrata
Class:	Amphibia
Superorder:	Batrachia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Leiopelmatidae
Genus:	Leiopelma
Species:	L. hochstetteri
Binomial name
Leiopelma hochstetteri

Hochstetters frog (Leiopelma hochstetteri) is a New Zealand primitive frog, one of only four belonging to the ancient family Leiopelmatidae and found only in the northern half of the North Island of New Zealand, including Great Barrier Island. Although it is the largest of the four species it grows to only about 48 mm long, and is found in isolated pockets, in damp areas along the edges of streams.

It has partially webbed feet, and atavistic tail-wagging muscles although it does not have a tail. It does not go through a tadpole stage, but instead develops totally within a gelatinous capsule derived from an egg, and therefore do not need standing or running water. It is very dependent on a damp environment however, and quickly dries out and dies if placed in a dry place.

Hochstetters frogs are hard to locate as they are well camouflaged, are nocturnal, and do not croak. They are generally dark brown and have more warts than the other endemic New Zealand frogs.