The desert froglet (Crinia deserticola) is a species of frog in the family Myobatrachidae, endemic to Australia. Desert froglets occur mainly in dry or moist savanna habitats, principally from the mid-western border of Northern Territory, south-east into western Queensland and New South Wales and the north-east corner of South Australia. They can also be found along the Queensland coast where it has been recorded between Townsville and Cooktown, and as far south as Hervey Bay (300 km north of Brisbane). Taxonomy General The desert froglet is a member of the family Myobatrachidae. However debate exists about its scientific and common names. For instance, because comparative phylogeny studies of Crinia species are not comprehensive, there is debate over the taxonomic accuracy of its species groupings. One exception is the synonymisation of the genus Ranidella with Crinia based on morphological data and serum albumin similarities with R.signifera and C.signifera. In addition, although the term 'froglet' may seem suited as a general descriptor of smaller species, further taxonomic research of Crinia species, such as the desert froglet, is needed to clarify the relevancy of this term. Genetic Records Crinia deserticola isolate SAMAR45118 tRNA-Gln and tRNA-Met genes, complete sequence; and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene, partial cds; mitochondrial 650 bp linear DNA Accession: JX473815.1 GI: 401064967 Crinia deserticola isolate SAMAR52124 tRNA-Gln and tRNA-Met genes, complete sequence; and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene, partial cds; mitochondrial 650 bp linear DNA Accession: JX473814.1 GI: 401064965 Crinia deserticola 658 mitochondrial partial nadh4 gene for NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 408 bp linear DNA Accession: AJ269697.1 GI: 7799385 Crinia deserticola 658 mitochondrial partial 16S rRNA gene 468 bp linear DNA Accession: AJ269696.1 GI: 7799384 Description The desert froglet is a ground dwelling frog with skin colour, texture and pattern variation common to other Crinia species. Generally the belly of adults is granular (not blotchy pink like the Tasmanian froglet). The male belly is uniformly white or grey in colour, and possibly flecked grey. Whereas the female belly is either white, speckled or boldly blotched with black or grey. The throat of adults lack a median white line, unlike the Wallum froglet; with throats of breeding males white or grey and the chin completely dark. Spots are either inconspicuous or absent on the chest of both genders. Also, adults have distinct dermal fringes on their toes and the hind side of their thighs lack the pink or red