Corroboree frog  (Pseudophryne corroboree)

This species has a very unusual lifecycle. During the breeding season, which runs throughout the summer, males build chamber nests within the grasses and moss of their breeding habitat (3). Males then compete for females via song. Whilst the female is laying around 26 eggs within the males' nest (3), he will grasp her and deposit sperm directly onto the eggs (7). Tadpoles develop but remain within the protective egg coat for up to 7 months until they are flooded by the autumn rains or the spring thaw (7). Juveniles then emerge and metamorphose into the adult form, remaining within the moist vegetation for a few months (4). At this time, adults migrate back to the dry heathland of the winter habitat (4).

These frogs feed mainly on small invertebrates such as ants (4). It has recently been discovered that they are capable of producing poisonous alkaloids that are then secreted from the skin as a defence against predation (8).