Notes on the distribution, activitiy and breeding of the whistling frog (Litoria Ewingi Anura: Hylidae) in the coastal Manawatu district, New Zealand

New records indicate an expanded distribution of Litoria ewingi in the Manawatu district. Frogs called in every month of the year, at all air temperatures between 0°C and 21°C. Between February 1973 and July 1976 the following events were seen or inferred: nuptial pads and spawn from April to December, amplexus from April to November, tadpoles throughout the year, and newly-emerged frogs (mean length 12.3 mm) from November to May. In three cases, tadpoles grew and metamorphosed in about four months. High densities of whistling frogs in small ponds may reflect an absence of competition from other species of frog.