Taxonomy of the <i>Litoria aurea</i> complex: a re-evaluation of the Southern Tableland populations of the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales

Abstract

The Southern Tablelands populations of the Litoria aurea complex were studied to determine the status of each taxon. Examination of colour-pattern, morphology and advertisement calls was used to determine the extent of variation present in each taxon in the area and to determine if any additional species were present. Three taxa were found to occur on the Southern Tablelands: Litoria aurea, Litoria raniformis and Litoria castanea. Litoria castanea is restricted to the New England region of New South Wales and the Southern Tablelands of the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales. Ail three taxa from the Southern Tablelands are distinguishable by dierences in both morphology and advertisement call. The nomenclature of the population variably known as L. castanea or L. flavipunctata was determined and the former name is recommended. A key to the taxa within the L. aurea complex in south eastern Australia has been constructed. Further research on the distribution and taxonomy of the group is recommended to determine if populations of L. castanea on the Southern Tablelands represent the same species as the disjunct populations on the Northern Tablelands.