Wetan

Wetan refers to a group of small, nocturnal frogs belonging to the family Ranidae. These frogs are commonly found in Australia and New Guinea. The term "wetan" is derived from an Aboriginal Australian word. They are characterized by their relatively smooth skin, long legs adapted for jumping, and large, prominent eyes. Wetan frogs are typically brown, grey, or black in color, often with mottled or striped patterns that provide camouflage in their natural habitats, which include forests, woodlands, and grasslands, often near water sources.

These amphibians are primarily insectivores, feeding on a diet of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. They are nocturnal hunters, emerging at night to forage. During the day, they often hide under logs, rocks, or leaf litter to avoid predators and dehydration. Wetan frogs play a role in their ecosystems as both predators of insects and prey for larger animals. Their reproductive cycle involves laying eggs in water, usually in ponds, swamps, or slow-moving streams. The tadpoles then develop in these aquatic environments before metamorphosing into adult frogs. While the term "wetan" is a general descriptor, there are numerous species within the Ranidae family that fit this description, each with its own specific characteristics and distribution.