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. 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 they do not have tails. They do not go through a tadpole stage, but instead develop totally within a gelatinous capsule derived from an egg, and therefore do not need standing or running water. They are very dependent on a damp environment however, and quickly dry out and die if placed in a dry place.